Vanier College launches allégo program: an ideal commute solution for
students and employees

SAINT-LAURENT, QC, Dec. 11 /CNW Telbec/ - Vanier College is implementing an allégo program that will make it easier for its 8,200 students and 1,000 employees to commute to and from the school. Vanier is thus joining the ranks of institutions and businesses that have opted to invest in transportation alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles and promote public transit.

In developing this initiative, Vanier College has been able to draw upon the expertise of Développement économique Saint-Laurent (DESTL) via its Centre de gestion des déplacements (CGD). "The benefits are many, both for the institution and its employees and students," says coordinator Aline Berthe. It's a winning solution for organizations, who enjoy greater accessibility and lower management costs (parking, etc.), while providing employees and students with a better quality of life and enhancing the organization's image."

Vanier College is also eligible for financial support from the Ministère des Transports du Québec. A MTQ grant can cover up to 50% of the analysis, promotion and assessment costs of the program, up to a maximum of $35,000 . These funds will help the institution achieve its objectives. "The government support will be greatly appreciated, as it will help promote our new way of doing things at our institution, which in 2009 achieved the first level of Green CEGEP certification," explains Beverly Chandler , Communications Director at Vanier College.

What is an allégo program?

An allégo program is a set of measures put in place by an employer, a property manager or an institution to facilitate commuting by public transit, carpooling, bicycle, or on foot. It also allows for a different way of managing parking and work schedules in order to create conditions conducive to the use of alternative means of transportation.

Putting in place alternative transportation incentives has been shown to deliver positive results in terms of reducing car use by employees and students. Promoting carpooling, requesting public transit service adjustments, and conducting activities to boost awareness and encourage regular use of alternative transportation are examples of concrete actions that businesses or institutions can take.

About DESTL

DESTL is a non-profit organization whose main objective is to support business leaders, particularly in the manufacturing and service sectors. An arm of DESTL, the CGD offers a complete range of services to help solve problems related to worksite accessibility, employee recruitment and retention, and parking space shortages. In short, the CGD advises businesses on employee transportation and helps them develop concrete solutions.

For further information: Aline Berthe, Coordinator, [phone], ext. 4827