Transportation
Personal vehicles emit a lot of greenhouse gases. Alternative ways to travel that would greatly reduce this number are: cycling, walking, public transit, carsharing and ridesharing, and electric vehicles.
You don't need to do just one! How about walking part of the way to work and then hopping on a bus? Explore the options!
Getting started with Green Transportation
Car co-ops and ridesharing
Carpooling, ridesharing, carsharing - it can get a little confusing!
Carpooling involves two or more people who have a similar commute sharing a ride. This can save money for both and can result in having fewer cars on the road. This equals less pollution! Often, this is used for going to work or school or attending recreational activities.
Ridesharing involves community members using their own vehicle to offer rides to other for a fee. It is similar to a taxi cab service, but is offered by an individual instead.
Carsharing is a membership-based car rental service that provides a flexible model of transportation for individuals and families. A network of cars is available, often at various locations throughout a city, to members to use on an as-needed and as-booked basis.
- Go Manitoba
GoManitoba’s goal is to bring sustainable, healthy commuting options to all Manitobans. Its purpose is to ease travel by helping to facilitate carpools, promote public transit use where available, and match bike and walk mentors. It is a quick, secure, and personal way to find your commuting options, simply using your home and work (or other destination) addresses. - Ikwe Safe RidesIkwe (Women Helping Women) Safe Ride aims to provide a safe means of transportation for female members and children of the community through a volunteer run initiative and an alternative to taking a taxi.
- Peg City Car Co-op
Peg City Car Co-op’s mission is to provide a safe, reliable and inclusive carsharing program. It aims to fulfill the demand for carsharing by providing a practical and appealing transportation solution. - Ridesharing.comRidesharing is a website where you can offer a ride or to book a seat for a rideshare in Winnipeg.
Cycling
Cycling is an environmentally-friendly way to travel that is also great exercise. And it can be done year-round! The links below will help you navigate the terrain of cycling, including safety and routes.
- Bike Winnipeg
Bike Winnipeg is an inclusive group of people and organizations working to make cycling in Winnipeg a safe, enjoyable, accessible and convenient transportation choice year round. - Cycling Safety Program - Can-Bike
Cycling Canada’s CAN-BIKE program is a series of courses taught on all aspects of cycling, safely and enjoyably on the road. Program development is coordinated through national instructor committees, and Cycling Canada. - Winnipeg Cycling MapThe Winnipeg Cycling Map helps you to plan your bicycle trip by outlining cycling routes. Cyclists may use all streets within the city though.
- Bike and BusWinnipeg cyclists can take their bikes along for the bus ride using racks installed on the front of select Winnipeg Transit buses, in all seasons but winter. Get the details here.
- Pedestrians and Cycling - City of WinnipegThis site shares information about how to register your bike and have a safe commute.
- Riding your bike through winterIn this article, Green Action Centre outlines key things to consider and do to have an enjoyable and safe winter cycling experience.
Electric vehicles
Vehicles can be powered by a number of things: gas, diesel, electricity, biofuels (corn and soybean oil), and ethanol. Most of the vehicles we see on the road are gas-powered, but electric vehicles are increasing in popularity. Electric vehicles have a set of batteries that provide electricity to an electric motor. The motor turns a transmission, and the transmission turns the wheels. These vehicles can be charged at home in a garage with a regular plug or at a charging station.
- Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association (MEVA)
MEVA members come from all ages and all backgrounds and share a passion to promote EVs as a viable alternative to traditional transportation. - Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Winnipeg
With the ChargeHub charging stations map you have all the information you need about Winnipeg’s public charging infrastructure. Check out the map on the responsive website or the iOS and Android mobile app. - Electric VehiclesElectric vehicles (EVs) are a great fit in Manitoba and have many benefits when compared to gasoline or diesel powered vehicles. Manitoba Hydro outlines the details in this page.
Public transit
Public transit plays a big role in environmental sustainability. By reducing the number of vehicles on the road and having many people travel in one vehicle, public transit:
- Has less of a negative impact on air quality because emissions are reduced with an increase in the number of people taking public transit
- Is an efficient use of fuel. A single bus can carry as many people as 41 cars!
- Reduces wear and tear on city streets
- Cuts down on traffic.
- Winnipeg Transit
Visit the Winnipeg Transit website to find out about transit routes, schedules, and cost for fares.
Walking
Walking is a great form of exercise, a way to get to know where you live, and a mode of transportation. It has a minimal cost (proper clothing for the season and good walking shoes/boots), but it does require that you add more time to your trip and that you follow some basic safety rules. The links below will help you get started.
- Canada Walks
Canada Walks is working to make Canada a great place to walk - where everyone can enjoyably, easily and safely walk to school, work, play, shopping, and transit. - Trails Manitoba
Trails Manitoba / Sentiers Manitoba is the official body overseeing the coordination of the building of the The Great Trail (TCT) in Manitoba. - Winnipeg Trails Association
The Winnipeg Trails Association is a coalition of volunteer trail builders and trail users who work on trail development and connectivity in Winnipeg for the benefit and enjoyment of all Manitobans and visitors to our province.
