The main alternative forms of transportation are walking, cycling, transit, and carpooling. Scroll down for general information on these modes of transportation in Guelph.
Why Walk or Cycle?
It's Healthy! Walking and cycling are both a healthy and emission-free form of transportation that is accessible for most residents in Guelph. Consider walking instead of driving - the average person can walk 2 km in only 30 minutes, and cycle on average 18 km/h. Light physical activity for 60 minutes a day, four times a week can reduce the risk of heart disease, some cancers, obesity, and Type II Diabetes by up to 50%. For more info, visit Health Canada.
Increased Awareness Walking around your neighbourhood improves the safety of the area by increasing the number of "eyes on the street". Walking and cycling are also linked to improvements in mental health and well-being. You can also be part of the Bicycle-Friendly Guelph Initiative, and enjoy the many benefits of cycling for transportation.
Walking to School and Work
Children are encouraged to walk or bike to school rather than be driven. Walking and biking encourages healthy active lifestyles, and reduces traffic congestion and air pollution within school zones.
Consider these tips to improve your safety and comfort while walking:  There's no such thing as bad weather - just bad clothes! Dress visibly and wear light layers.
Place your belongings in a well-fitting backpack to avoid strain on your back and shoulders. If you are cycling, consider a bike rack with panniers or cargo bags to keep your back cool and dry.
Always carry a cell phone or extra quarters in case you need to call a taxi.
Obey traffic signals to avoid conflicts with vehicular traffic.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Save Money! Walking is free, and owning and riding a bicycle is many times cheaper than owning and operating a car - save on the costs of gas, insurance, parking, and maintenance!
Experience further savings by following these tips:
A safe and effective bicycle can be purchased for under $200 - scan the classifieds, or visit local bike shops for deals.
Take a bicycle mechanic's workshop at a local bike store and learn to repair your bike yourself.
Buy a sturdy lock (two is even better) to prevent theft.
Keep your bicycle well-oiled and cleaned, especially in winter, to avoid rusting and corrosion. Click here for more information on cycling. How Can You Help?
Pedestrians and cyclists can help improve the conditions of our cycling networks by reporting areas of concern that you encounter.
Bicycle Lane or Trail Maintenance
Operations Department
519-837-5628
Trail Development and Planning
Community Design & Development Services
519-837-5616 | 
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Why Transit?
Get to where you need to go and leave the driving to us.
Save Money
A monthly bus pass provides you with unlimited bus rides for only $68 a month. That amounts to an annual cost of $816. Compare that to the estimated $10,000 it costs you to own and operate your car for one year (Canadian Automobile Association, 2009). To save even more, remember to claim your transit passes on your income tax return!
Help the Environment
One bus can remove up to 40 vehicles from the road that would otherwise be congesting streets, creating smog, and contributing to climate change.
Guelph Transit also has an anti-idling protocol that requires drivers to turn off their engines if stopped for more than 2 to 3 minutes.
Lastly, all Guelph Transit busses run on a Biodiesel blend that is made by combining vegetable-based oils with conventional diesel. Biodiesel helps reduce the carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change and air pollution. Riding the bus really is an environmentally responsible way to travel!
Visit guelphtransit.ca for more information on routes, schedules, fares, and more.
Why Carpool or Car Share?
A carpool is when several people traveling to the same destination share a ride.
A car share is a co-operative organization that provides members with access to one or more vehicles. Members can have a car at their disposal for errands and short trips without having to purchase their own car. Car shares have become very popular in urban areas including Toronto (ZipCar and AutoShare), Ottawa (Vrtucar), Waterloo, and Guelph.
Getting a Carpool Started
Enjoy the comfort of a vehicle, the companionship of friends and colleagues, and the savings you can generate from carpooling! Owning a vehicle typically costs about $10,000 a year, so why not share that cost with others? In sharing a ride, you can split the expenses of parking and gas and reduce traffic congestion all at once.
Step 1 - Find someone
The first step to carpooling is finding other commuters who are interested in carpooling and live near you and/or work at or near your workplace. A quick internet search reveals that there are many websites online that offer carpool matching services. Choose one that suits your needs,and start carpooling!
Step 2 - Co-ordinate schedules
Carpooling can be made easier if you have the flexibility in your work schedule to coordinate with your fellow carpoolers. Employees with fairly regular hours tend to benefit the most from carpooling. You and your carpool may wish to alternate driving from day to day, or week to week.
Step 3- Carpool!
Here are some tips to make the experience pleasant for everyone:
Be considerate of traveling in others' vehicles and respect the rules of the driver
If you are driving, ensure your vehicle is in good repair and has more than enough gas to get to and from your destinations safely and without having to fill up along the way.
Check how your insurance may be affected if you decide to be a regular carpooler.
Be patient with each other - it can take a few days to get to know each other's quirks and preferences.
Click Here for a map of all Ministry of Transportation carpool lots in and around South Central Ontario!
Guelph's Car Share: The Guelph Community Car Co-Operative
Guelph is home to the Guelph Community Car Co-operative Inc., a non-profit member-owned car share company. The co-op currently owns two vehicles, has 30 members, and plans to add more cars as membership grows. Members simply book the car in advance for their errands or short trips.
How much does it cost?
Members pay a small monthly administrative fee, and pay an hourly and per-kilometer fee while using the car. Becoming a member requires buying one $500 share in the co-operative which is fully refunded if you choose to end your membership at any time. The share can either be paid up front, or members can enter a pay-as-you-go option.
Who can be a member?
Members who are 23 or 24 years old must have a 5-year clean driving record. Members who are 25 years or older must have a 3-year clean driving record.
What are the benefits?
Avoid the costs of buying, maintaining, and insuring your own car
The co-operative takes care of the cost of purchasing the vehicle, insurance, repairs, gas, and parking
Cheaper than conventional rentals for short trips
Contributes to fewer vehicles on the road and the associated reductions in air pollution and greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
For more information on the Guelph Community Car Co-operative, call 519-241-2886.
