At the annual Smart Commute Awards last evening, it was clear that the Smart Commute program, established in 2004, is transforming the culture of commuting across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

“Smart Commute is a concept that has clearly captured the interest of some of the most innovative organizations in the GTHA,” says Bruce McCuaig, President and CEO, Metrolinx. “They understand that we can no longer afford to ignore the huge toll that commuter gridlock is taking on our health, our economy and the environment.”

Via METROLINX

Telework has long been known as the healthier way to work, in more ways than one. It reduces airborne illnesses from pollution, chiefly vehicle exhausts, and from disease spread in workplaces and injuries from vehicle accidents. It relieves the strain on budgets by cutting costs and boosting productivity. For these reasons telework is an excellent strategy for resource-strapped healthcare providers.

Via TMCnet.com.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which had reported 91 U.S. cases of swine flu infection as of this morning, recommends six things people can do to prevent the spread of the disease. The first two items on the list are “avoid close contact” and “stay home when you are sick.” For those with the ability to work remotely, teleworking could be an essential tool in preventing the spread of the disease. Should the disease reach pandemic levels, teleworking could also become the safest way to keep essential government and other crucial services running.

Via Wi-Fi Planet.