In an effort to lower harmful air emissions, YVR is creating a Trip Reduction Plan aimed at reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicle trips to Sea Island.

"The Trip Reduction Plan is only one component of air quality strategy that addresses energy consumption, ozone depletion substances and aircraft emissions," says Allison Grigg, the YVR environmental analyst heading up the Trip Reduction Plan. Vehicle traffic accounts for approximately 55 per cent of total Sea Island emissions, while aircraft are responsible for 36 per cent (based on 1990 data from Transport Canada). In a study conducted in 1998 by YVR, the largest single category of emissions was mobile sources, accounting for some 79 per cent of total emissions. Over 62 per cent came from light-duty vehicle exhaust (cars and small trucks).

"The private automobile is a major polluter of our air in the lower Fraser Valley," says Grigg.

The Trip Reduction Plan will initially focus on changing the habits of employees who commute to Sea Island daily.

The feedback from a recent Canada-wide Commuter Challenge, where the Airport Authority achieved a 47 per cent participation rate, indicated the need for improved cycling facilities (Bike routes, showers, lockers and bike storage), improved transit service and more employee pool vehicles.

"The suite of tools the Trip Reduction Plan will focus on for reducing emissions include: alternative modes of transportation, including transit, vanpooling, carpooling, parking management, an education and awareness program and cycling, walking and running.

"Other means used by some Lower Mainland employers are flexible work hours and telecommuting. For example, with the new 98B Line Transit service, we hope to increase the percentage from approximately 3 per cent currently to 5 or even 10 per cent of employee trips (on 98B Line) over the next few years," says Grigg.

Some modelling shows that a fixed rail rapid transit could increase its current two to three per cent share of trips made by employees to as high as 10 to 15 per cent, resulting in a significant reduction of single vehicle trips.

In support of this the Airport Authority-funded Rapid Transit Study. Phase 1 to consider whether Vancouver should invest in a rapid transit (fixed rail) system over the next 10 years.

In addition, funding is being pursued to develop the existing Bicycle Network that would connect the existing major routes servicing Sea Island.

Other strategies to reduce vehicle emissions have included the airport's Parking Management's Pay on Foot (POF) and Express Exit stations in the Parkade and Economy Lot.