No. H041/06
For release May 26, 2006

NEW RIDEMATCHING SYSTEM
HELPS FEDERAL EMPLOYEES CARPOOL

OTTAWA — Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, along with Bob Chiarelli, Mayor of Ottawa, today launched the City of Ottawa’s new ridematching system.

The Government of Canada has provided $25,000 towards the Internet-based system, which allows for enhanced capabilities for Government of Canada employees working in Ottawa, Ontario, and Gatineau, Quebec, to find potential carpooling matches based on proximity to home and work, and similar working hours.

“The ridematching Internet-based system truly is a win-win situation for the environment, employees and the city,” said Minister Cannon. “It’s another example of our government’s commitment to an integrated and sustainable transportation system,” added the Minister, pointing out measures such as the tax credit for transit passes, and the significant amounts Canada’s new government has already committed to public transit.

“This innovative program is a milestone in the City’s ongoing commitment to promoting and supporting alternative eco-friendly transportation infrastructure,” said Mayor Bob Chiarelli. “Ottawaridematch.com offers residents the opportunity to not only share a ride with other residents, but also share the city’s vision of achieving efficient transportation for a sustainable city.”

The ridematching software is the first of its kind available to all federal employees in the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau and has greater potential for matching rides than previous systems. It allows employees to customize their requests in a number of ways including by department, workplace, or area of the city.

The Government of Canada’s support of the ridematching system is part of the Federal House in Order initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within government operations. The ridematching system complements other measures introduced by Transport Canada to provide more commuter options to federal employees. In particular, the Transit Pass Program has allowed more than 10,000 federal transit users to buy discounted transit passes through payroll deductions.

The launch of Ottawaridematch.com took place on Sparks Street, between Bank Street and O’Connor Street. At the ceremony, the City of Ottawa presented officials from Nortel, the University of Ottawa and Transport Canada with Travelwise awards, recognizing their longstanding and successful commuting programs. Minister Cannon accepted the award on behalf of Transport Canada.

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