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Transportation tips | Choose the right car | Go Car-Free

Transportation Tips

With gas prices soaring, here's some tips on how to get around and still have money in your pocket.

Level One: the easy steps

1. Trip Planning.  Eliminate the spontaneous trip to the store.  Think ahead, make a list and combine several trips into one. 
    

2. Leave the car at home.  Walk to the corner store for a change, or ride a bike.
    

3. Join a car pool. See www.smartcommute.ca or our backgrounder on transportation options for local carpool options.
    

4. Take transit.  Let someone else do the driving.
    

5. Bike Share:  in Toronto, you can use a free bike for downtown travel through http://communitybicyclenetwork.org/bikeshare.html

Level Two: make an investment

1. Buy a good bike.  Start using a bike and a trailer for running local errands, or commuting to work.  Ride with family and friends.
    

2. Start a car pool or local transportation group.  If all your neighbours work downtown, or if you want to coordinate getting to the Go Train or bus, try setting up a commuter support group in your community (possibly working with your neighbourhood association) Contact www.smartcommute.ca for resources and help.
    

3. Buy a better car.  Make your next car a fuel-efficient one, perhaps even a hybrid. Match your car to your greatest need and consider renting for other uses.

See our Choose the Right Car....

Level Three:  make a commitment

1. Shed your car.  Sell it for good, or park it and use it only for special trips.  With car-sharing services offered in most cities, people who live in a city don't need to own a car. And many people in smaller towns and the suburbs can get by with a single car if they plan their travel.  Follow our car-free guide and save up to $5,000 a year! 

See our Car Free Calculator....

Going car-free does require a change in your daily habits.  You'll find you need to walk more, ride a bike, and shop locally instead of going to the mall.  All of these are healthier things to do.