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Commuting to Work

According to statistics Canada, roughly 15.4 million Canadians commute to work, and regardless of where people reside, commuting has become a frustrating issue. Most Canadians would prefer to spend less time in their commutes and more time doing things that they enjoy outside of work. Traffic in the GTA has made the drive to work insufferable for many. To all of us stuck on the Gardiner Expressway, the Don Valley Parkway or taking another trip on the GO train — our commutes rank as the longest among Canada’s big cities. “We are experiencing unusual levels of congestion, and the problem is evident with all modes of transportation,” said Baher Abdulhai, a professor in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto. “It’s getting out of hand.”

There are many things that can be improved in terms of transportation infrastructure. However, a lot of this is not in any of our control. Although it may help to keep trucks out of the left lane, have more frequent GO Train service and a maybe even do an extensive study looking at the usefulness of High Occupancy Vehicle lanes, we can only really change so much. Nationally, the average commute is about 25 minutes each way. However, many Canadians say that the commute is a top factor is choosing work; the time it takes to get to work is just as important as the job itself. While some people may change their job for a shorter commute, many are willing for work more hours during the week for a reasonable commute.

Basically, there is a spatial imbalance between where people are living, the skills that they have and where the work is happening. Sometimes people solve that by moving, but a lot of people are solving it by commuting. When spending such a large amount of time in a commute, it is important that you chose to drive a vehicle that is fuel efficient and enjoyable. Toyota Canada has topped the Government of Canada’s list of most fuel efficient cars. Natural Resources Canada has named 6 Toyota Canada vehicles as best-in-class for fuel efficiency for the 2014 model year. That’s more than any other auto manufacturer! “Superior fuel efficiency has always been a hallmark of Toyota vehicles,” says Seiji Ichii, CEO and President, Toyota Canada Inc. “This recognition from Natural Resources Canada is an important validation of our leadership in this important area. It reflects how we’re constantly innovating to give drivers the ever-improving fuel efficiency they value.”

Car, truck or van, you should choose a vehicle that suits your needs and your wallet. Toyota’s long-standing commitment to environmental leadership is demonstrated by the innovations that continue to improve conventional vehicles. For decades Toyota has been bringing Canadians fuel efficient vehicle choices while still maintaining the performance and versatility that Canadians drivers expect.

The TCI vehicles – which were awarded by NRCan for the lowest estimated annual fuel use in their respective classes – include:

  • Toyota Prius c (Compact car)
  • Toyota Prius (Mid-size car)
  • Toyota Prius v (Mid-size station wagon)
  • Toyota Tacoma (Small pickup truck)
  • Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD LE Plus (Standard SUV)
  • Scion iQ (Minicompact car)

Sources Used:

http://www.citynews.ca/2013/12/03/commuting-times-key-factor-for-job-selection-among-younger-workers-survey/

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/the-canadian-commute-by-car-alone/article12849501/

https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/as-sa/99-012-x/99-012-x2011003_1-eng.cfm

http://media.toyota.ca/pr/tci/en/toyota-canada-tops-government-257140.aspx