How to Create a Sustainable Travel Management Plan in Quebec

How to Create a Sustainable Travel Management Plan in Quebec

Employee commuting and business travel are major sources of workplace emissions. In Quebec, organizations face increasing expectations from employees, municipalities, and partners to reduce their transportation footprint. A sustainable travel management plan gives you a clear way to cut emissions. It can also help reduce costs. Many Quebec programs recognize or support organizations that take real steps to improve sustainable mobility.

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What Is a Sustainable Travel Management Plan?

A sustainable travel management plan (sometimes called a mobility plan) is a document that reviews how employees currently travel and sets actions to encourage lower-impact options. In Quebec, these plans are often needed to join sustainable mobility initiatives.

A strong plan usually includes:

• An analysis of how employees commute and travel for work
• Clear, measurable goals (such as reducing solo car trips)
• Real measures to support sustainable travel
• A process to monitor and report progress

Programs like Make your business a model of sustainable mobility require organizations to have an active plan and to put real measures in place—not just promises.

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Step-by-Step: How to Create a Sustainable Travel Management Plan in Quebec

1. Assess Current Travel Patterns

Start with data. Most plans in Quebec begin with an employee travel survey.

Collect information on:

• Main way employees travel (car, transit, bike, walking, telework)
• Distance and how often they commute
• Barriers to using sustainable options
• Current benefits, such as parking or transit subsidies

This baseline helps you measure changes later. It also supports eligibility for Quebec mobility programs.

2. Set Clear and Realistic Objectives

Your goals should be specific and within a set time.

Examples:

• Lower single-occupancy vehicle commuting by 15% within two years
• Increase public transit use among employees living within 10 km
• Introduce formal telework policies that follow Quebec labour standards to reduce peak-hour travel

Quebec programs expect objectives that are realistic and linked to real actions—not just broad environmental statements.

3. Choose Sustainable Mobility Measures

Pick measures that fit your workforce and location. Common options in Quebec include:

• Public transit incentives: Employer-paid or discounted transit passes
• Active transportation support: Secure bike parking, showers, repair stations
• Carpooling programs: Reserved parking or ride-matching tools
• Telework and flexible hours: Reduce peak travel demand, making sure policies meet Quebec labour rules
• Business travel policies: Encourage virtual meetings or lower-emission travel options

The Make your business a model of sustainable mobility program looks for organizations that put several real measures in place, not just pilot ideas.

If you need help finding programs, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can quickly show you sustainable mobility programs by province and organization size.

4. Assign Roles and a Timeline

Your plan should clearly state:

• Who is responsible for each action
• When each measure will start
• How you will review progress

Larger organizations often name a mobility coordinator or set up a committee to manage ongoing actions.

5. Monitor, Report, and Improve

Tracking results is important. Use annual surveys or data to monitor changes in travel habits.

Some Quebec initiatives require you to:

• Share results publicly
• Act as a model for other businesses
• Take part in knowledge-sharing activities

Public visibility is a key part of the Make your business a model of sustainable mobility initiative.

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How Quebec Programs Support Sustainable Travel Management Plans

Make Your Business a Model of Sustainable Mobility

This Quebec initiative is led by the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal.

Key details:

• Type of support: Mentoring, guidance, and public recognition
• Direct funding: No cash grant; support is advisory and promotional
• Eligibility:
  • Organizations with several hundred employees
  • Active travel management plan in place
  • Willingness to publicly share sustainable mobility efforts
• Jurisdiction: Quebec (mainly Montreal metropolitan area)
• Status: Open

This program is best for mid-sized to large employers who already have the resources to put structured mobility measures in place.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. No implementation budget
   A plan without funding for real measures will not qualify for mobility initiatives.

2. Ignoring employee input
   Plans built without surveys or consultation often do not change behaviour.

3. Setting vague goals
   “Encourage sustainable transport” is not measurable. Programs want clear targets.

4. Treating the plan as a one-time document
   Quebec initiatives expect ongoing monitoring and regular updates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a sustainable travel management plan mandatory in Quebec?
No, it is not legally required for most businesses. However, it is often needed to join structured sustainable mobility programs and recognition initiatives.

Q: Does the Make your business a model of sustainable mobility program provide funding?
No. The program offers mentoring, expert guidance, and public recognition, but not direct financial grants.

Q: What size of business can create a travel management plan?
Any business can create one. Some programs, including this initiative, require several hundred employees.

Q: Do results have to be shared publicly?
Yes. Participants are expected to show their actions and results to inspire other organizations.

Q: How long does it take to build a travel management plan?
Most organizations complete an initial plan in three to six months, depending on survey size and internal approvals.

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Next Steps

A sustainable travel management plan can help your business lower emissions, improve employee satisfaction, and qualify for Quebec mobility initiatives. GrantHub tracks sustainable mobility and environmental programs across Canada. You can check which ones fit your organization’s size, location, and readiness level.

See also:

• What expenses can loans for social economy and impact businesses in Quebec cover?
• What business expenses are eligible across Canadian grants and loans?