Züm, Züm, Züm!

Züm (pronounced "zoom"), is an exciting new City of Brampton Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service. Currently operating in cities like Ottawa, New York and Bogotá, BRT is a public transit solution that supports high-capacity routes and has benefits similar to rail transportation – using world-class technologies to find faster ways to connect people and places.

Züm is currently running along Queen Street from Downtown Brampton to York University (AKA Route 501). See the 501 schedule here.

In late 2011, the Main Street (Route 502: Sandalwood Parkway to Mississauga City Centre) began service. See the 502 schedule here.

If the Queen Street and Main Street lines are not convenient for you, do not despair! Steeles Avenue (Shoppers World to Humber College) will arrive shortly in 2012.

I ♥ Walk and Roll

Active Transportation means using human power to get from place to place. Walking, cycling, rollerblading, (even pogo stick jumping!) are all forms of active transportation. The Walk and Roll website is a joint effort between Peel, Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon and is a great resource for all things people powered. The site features great interactive maps as well as information and tips on walking and cycling. If you are interested in walking, cycling to work and are worried about how long it might take you, the site even has a widget that will allow you to calculate how long it will take you to get there based on your preferred pace. Another calculator will show you how many greenhouse gasses you are saving by using human power. Once you get started travelling actively, don’t forget to visit “The Lounge”, a section of the site where you can voice your ideas, thoughts and feelings about walking, rollerblading and cycling on Peel's roads, trails and paths. So, what are you waiting for? Commuting actively is better for you and for the environment. Get out there and get active and check out walkandrollpeel.ca

Take a Quick Trip Before You Leave

A prepared driver will check their watch, the weather, and their mobile phone battery on the way out the door. Thanks to the Ministry of Transportation, travelers now have one more important resource to check before hitting the road. The MTO has developed the Traveler’s Road Information Portal (TRIP), which ensures Golden Horseshoe drivers can find the fastest and easiest route 24/7/365.

Knowledge really is power when it comes to navigating GTHA roadways. TRIP interactive map puts real-time traffic conditions and camera-feeds at your fingertips. With a single click of the mouse, you'll see roadway construction projects that stand between you and your destination. One more click and you'll know exactly when orange-cones will be coming soon to a stretch of asphalt near you!

TRIP will also help commuters tired of watching powerlessly from the right-hand lane(s) as cars fly by in the HOV lane. Smart Commute Brampton-Caledon can instantly provide the perfect carpool partner, but TRIP will instantly provide the most convenient carpool parking lot and show you exactly where the HOV lanes can take you!

Today's smart commuter will definitely want to add this link to their browser Favourites and Bookmarks.

Can Going Green Prevent Going Grey

Ever heard the rumour that stress turns your hair grey? While there’s no medical evidence linking stress to silver locks, plenty of people believe the myth! Hairdos aside, doctors have directly linked stress to reductions in physical and mental health -- making it something we all need to manage.

A 2005 poll by LifeCare Inc found that 23 percent of individuals confirmed personal finances as the leading cause of stress in their lives. 21 percent stated that their job was the most stressful. Unfortunately, your daily commute combines both as it causes you to spend thousands of hard-earned dollars battling traffic to get to your job.

The average Canadian driving alone to work spends over $6,000 a year. Subtract that money from your annual salary and it’s enough to get your blood boiling. Now combine the commute costs with total time spent in traffic and amount of subsequent road rage. Added up, it’s no wonder we are a bunch of stressed out commuters!

In fact, a recent German study reports that sitting in traffic can contribute to heart attacks, especially if you are already at risk for heart problems. The study states that when you are sitting in traffic, your chances of having a heart attack within the one hour after your commute is three times the rate of those not battling traffic.

Fear not, commuters! The following Smart Commute Brampton-Caledon commuting tips can keep your heart rate steady, your spouse happy to see you, and your hair looking great. And to top it all off, they all help the environment!

By sharing the ride to work with a neighbour/colleague you can split the gas bill and save thousands of dollars a year. Once you finish daydreaming about what to spend that extra money on, you can spend the afternoon commute trading office war stories with your carpool partner. Get it off your chest and arrive home to your family ready to enjoy the evening rather than sulking about your tough day and commute.

Or, trade in the white-knuckled steering wheel for a monthly transit pass. Take a seat and let someone else do the driving. In the morning, get a head start on the day’s tasks with your new iPhone. Just imagine all the time-saving gadgets you can now afford since ditching your car.

If your commute is around 10 kilometres, dust off your bike and ride to work one beautiful Friday in September. You’ll get your body, mind and wallet back into shape. Even if it’s just once a week, you’ll be glad you did! Bicycle commuters in the GTHA report their commute to be the best part of their day. Cancel that gym membership and turn your terrible commute into a wonderful workout.

Don’t wait until you find that first grey hair! Check out our programs as they can help you take the stress out of your life.