Governance Approach for Passenger Rail Authority in Alberta

Closed
Project
Academic experience
200 hours per learner
Learner
Canada
Advanced level

Project scope

Categories
Investment Organizational structure Community engagement Environmental sustainability Law and policy
Skills
governance coordinating
Details

The main goal for the project is to investigate and recommend a governance approach for the creation of a Passenger Rail Authority in Alberta. The authority's mission is to improve the coordination and integration of all modes of transportation in the province, reporting to the Alberta Ministry of Transportation. The project will also explore a Metrolinx-like model for the passenger rail system and outline the governance models, program resource requirements, and workforce framework/requirements for all stages of passenger rail in Alberta.


Deliverables

Tasks for learners to complete to achieve the project goal include:


- Researching and analyzing governance approaches for the creation of a Passenger Rail Authority in other regions.


- Developing a recommendation for the governance model, program resource requirements, and workforce framework/requirements for the passenger rail system in Alberta.


- Creating a detailed report outlining the recommended governance approach and its potential impact on transportation integration and coordination in the province.


- Presenting the findings and recommendations to the Alberta Ministry of Transportation and other relevant stakeholders.


- Collaborating with infrastructure, transportation, and community stakeholders to gather input and support for the proposed governance approach.


- Assessing the economic, environmental, and equity benefits of the recommended governance model for the passenger rail system in Alberta.

Mentorship

The Board of ITRD has extensive experience and will offer the researchers daily support upon request. ITRD has an extensive library of research papers to draw from. Each researcher will be provided a project email and project software access.

Supported causes
Sustainable cities and communities

About the company

Company
Canada
2 - 10 employees
Banking & finance, Construction, engineering & trades, Energy, Transport, trucking & railroad, Travel & tourism

“Rail for All” Approach

At Integrated Travel, our goal is to promote transportation equity for all individuals. Through our Integrated Travel approach, we strive to offer accessible and affordable transportation options, irrespective of income or background. By fostering connections between communities and promoting sustainability, we aim to create a future where transportation is fair and inclusive for everyone in Alberta.

We have a special focus on serving underserved communities, including indigenous and rural areas. Our dedication to transportation equity extends to these communities as well.

Our “Rail for All” Approach:

We advocate for a practical and equitable approach to addressing transportation and environmental challenges in Alberta through the implementation of Rail for All. Our focus is on utilizing new technologies on existing rail infrastructure, with the goal of promoting sustainability and responsible transportation.

Rail for All refers to the use of sustainable and cost-effective transportation methods that benefit the communities they serve. In the context of regional rail, this means retrofitting rolling stock and locomotives on existing infrastructure to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

While high-speed rail may be exciting and receive media attention, it is not always the most responsible mode of transportation or investment. The construction and maintenance of high-speed rail lines can be extremely expensive, and the economic impacts may not always align with the needs of the communities they serve.

On the other hand, implementing Rail for All through the retrofitting of existing infrastructure is a more cost-effective and responsible option. It still provides a fast mode of transportation that can bring significant benefits to communities and the environment.

Integrated Travel is a not-for-profit organization that advocates for the needs of rail passengers, prioritizing regional concerns over provincial and international boundaries. To drive change, Integrated Travel collaborates with infrastructure and transportation as well as community stakeholders and supporters. stakeholders to strengthen relationships and bring economic, environmental, and equity benefits to all citizens of Alberta. We advocate for regional inter-municipality transportation network that provides seamless, door-to-door connectivity to everyone in the region. We are not a policy organization - we are a collection of professionals who beleive in building prosperity with equality.

Integrated Travel is looking to reestablish safe, reliable, and sustainable passenger rail service in the province. The goal is to increase opportunities and contribute to the health and well-being of people across Alberta.

Integrated Travel believes that a comprehensive passenger rail network, seamlessly connected to other modes of transportation, will yield significant benefits for the region's economy, environment, and more importantly, transportation equity.

Since 2019, Integrated Travel has been actively engaging, educating, and energizing the public, elected officials, businesses, and local leaders. This is accomplished through outreach efforts, Train Treks, presentations for legislators and communities, advocacy work, soliciting support resolutions and letters, publicity initiatives, coalition building, and event planning.

Integrated Travel is a not-for-profit organization that advocates for the needs of rail passengers in Alberta. We prioritize regional concerns and collaborate with infrastructure, transportation, and community stakeholders to bring economic, environmental, and equity benefits to the region. Our goal is to reestablish safe, reliable, and sustainable passenger rail service in the province, contributing to the well-being of people across Alberta. We believe that a comprehensive passenger rail network, connected to other modes of transportation, will have significant positive impacts on the region's economy, environment, and transportation equity. Since 2019, we have actively engaged the public, elected officials, businesses, and local leaders through various initiatives to raise awareness and support for our cause.