Transit Pass Program launched: employees getting on board

PWGSC and its employees have taken another step towards preserving their environment. Along with several other Government of Canada (GoC) departments, it officially launched a successful program that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the use of public transit by federal employees.

PWGSC Minister Scott Brison was quick to get on board with the Transit Pass Program. The Program is one example of the many ways the GoC is reducing greenhouse gas emissions and greening its own operations.

The Transit Pass Program — a joint initiative between the GoC and two transit companies — is now available to employees within a few National Capital Area (NCA) departments. But plans are moving to roll the Program out to all NCA federal public servants, and compliment existing and future similar programs nationwide.

"I applaud my Department for its leadership role in helping to green government," said Minister Brison. "We're encouraging our employees to do their part too, while enjoying the convenience and savings of the Transit Pass."

Not only do employees save up to 15 percent by purchasing annual — rather than monthly — passes, they also receive the convenience of automatic monthly payroll deductions or preauthorized bank debits through the Program. Within days of PWGSC Minister Scott Brison officially launching the Program, hundreds of public servants had already signed up.

With transportation being the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, it's a strategic area to target. For every busload of passengers, there are 40 fewer cars on the road at rush hour. By the end of one year, each busload translates to 175 fewer tonnes of emissions.

PWGSC won the honour of being the first to participate in the Program because of its supportive role in the 2003 pilot. This trial run involved 900 employees in four other government departments: Environment Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Transport Canada and Treasury Board Secretariat of Canada, with Transport Canada taking the lead.

A compensation team in PWGSC's Finance, Accounting, Banking and Compensation Branch oversaw the payroll deductions for the pilot, working closely with the departments and bus companies involved. This team will continue to support the Program as it progressively widens to include more public servants.

"It's truly a win-win situation for the environment, employees and the transportation companies involved," said Jean-C. Lapierre, Minister of Transport.

The Program supports a number of GoC initiatives, including the One-Tonne Challenge, and the Federal House in Order Initiative — the GoC's commitment to show leadership by greening its own operations. Ultimately, through the mass reduction of emissions, the Program will also help Canada meet its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol.

Previous | Index | Next