Transportation
In addition to being a major consumer of energy in the form of fuels, transportation is one of Canada's largest sources of air pollution. This section of the website aims to empower you with information about more sustainable ways of getting around.
The cycling page outlines some of the resources at cyclists' disposal and lists some things to keep in mind while cycling in Guelph. The transit page offers an overview of your options for getting across the city, as well as those for getting in and out.
Look to the driving page for tips on how to drive more efficiently, and check out the carpooling page for help on finding someone to ride with you.
The University of Guelph participates in the annual Commuter Challenge, a week in June when people all across the country try a more sustainable way of getting to work.
Cost Comparison
Have you ever wondered how the costs of different modes of transportation compare? We've put together a side-by-side comparison and explained all our numbers.
| Driving | |
| Vehicle License | $74/year (source) |
| Fuel | $420/year (source) |
| Parking pass | $632.30/year (source) |
| Insurance | $1302/year (source) |
| Purchase cost | $2052/year (source) |
| Maintenance costs | $1000/year |
| Total | $5480.30/year |
| 732kg of CO2 (source) |
Based on a the following assumptions: a daily 7km one-way commute through the city in a used 2003 Pontiac Sunfire purchased with 40,000 kilometres on it, with cash, kept for five years, and gas prices of $1.20/litre, driven by a 40 year old male driver with a clean record.
| Carpooling | |
| Car costs, divided by three | $1782.93 |
| Total | $1807.60 |
| 244kg of CO2 | |
| Transit | |
| Pass | $864/year; $734.40/year with UG employee discount (source) |
| Minus tax credit | $129.60/year; $110.16/year based on discount price (source) |
| Total | $734.40/year or $624.24/year |
| 160kg of CO2 |
| Cycling | |
| Purchase cost | $50/yr |
| Regular maintenance | $50 |
| Bus Pass for the winter | $288 (source) |
| Minus transit tax credit | $43.20 (source) |
| One return bus trip per week (in case of rain) | $230 (source) |
| Total | $574.80 |
| 71kg of CO2 (source) |
(assuming a new $250 bike, kept for five years)
| Walking | |
| One return bus trip per week (in case of rain) | $230 |
| Total | $230 |
| 14kg of CO2 (source) |
(assuming a trip of 3km)
Telework:
Zero!
(assuming you already have a computer and internet connection at home)