TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC) has released a research report that outlines effective strategies for infrastructure investments in non-traditional transportation systems – such as aerial transit, micromobility like bikes or e-bikes, ferries, on-demand transit and autonomous shuttles – in Canada.
Given Canada’s unique transportation challenges, including a growing population, challenging terrain, the need for connectivity within remote and rural communities and ongoing congestion in major cities, exploring alternative transit solutions is critical.
Through international and domestic case studies and industry trends, the report’s key findings highlight non-traditional transportation systems that can play a critical role in providing transit options for users and enhancing the reach and performance of transit networks.
“Traditional modes of public transportation like buses and trains provide the backbone for our networks. Non-traditional options like aerial systems, bike sharing, and ferries offer unique opportunities to enhance and strengthen our transit networks by addressing first kilometre/last kilometre challenges, mitigating congestion and improving the sustainability of our transportation ecosystem,” said Josipa Petrunic, President & CEO of CUTRIC.
The report also summarizes CUTRIC’s recommendations for a successful implementation of non-traditional transport modes by:
- Increasing public trust and awareness of these transport modes by promoting their operation, safety and reliability.
- Developing clear and consistent regulations by collaborating with regulators, industries and communities.
- Securing support from the government to develop policies, frameworks and financial support for these non-traditional transit systems.
- Adopting financing models that align with delivery by creating opportunities to aggregate private capital and share risk.
“Investment in public transit is critical for Canada to support its economy, address climate objectives and connect Canadians. This research, highlighting investment opportunities that can expand our networks, is important for leaders in transit, cities and the private sector to reflect on as we work together to address these goals,” said Ehren Cory, CEO of the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
This research paper was supported by the Canada Infrastructure Bank with the aim to enhance knowledge across the sector of non-traditional modes of transit as an effective option for infrastructure investment. The CIB is an impact investor focused on connected communities and climate action, investing in the next generation of infrastructure Canadians need.
Quick Facts:
- Aerial transit systems (i.e., gondolas) use suspended vehicles to transport people in areas with difficult terrain and weather. They can carry 4,000 to 6,000 passengers per hour and can be integrated with other transit systems. Aerial transit systems may be able to provide speed, reliability, sustainability, accessibility and cost-effectiveness as a new mobility mode.
- Shared micromobility solutions such as bicycles and electric bicycles (e-bikes) have great potential as low-cost options for expanding mobility networks. The report focuses on bike sharing as a sustainable transport option that uses electric or traditional bikes to connect people to public transit.
- Water-based transit options such as ferries connect places across the water. They can be faster, more efficient and more direct than bridges and tunnels and are highly effective when integrated with existing land-based transit systems, especially in regions with inland waterways.
- On-demand services are a type of transportation that adapt to passenger demands and allows them to ride when and where needed. They offer flexibility, convenience and efficiency in transportation, especially in new communities or areas with lower population density and during off-peak hours.
- Autonomous shuttles use various technologies to drive without human intervention. They have the potential to improve public transit by using technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to connect people to their destinations.
For more information, download the full report: https://cutric-crituc.org/cib-non-traditional-modes-of-transit/
About CUTRIC
CUTRIC is a non-profit innovation consortium with a vision to make Canada a global leader in low-carbon smart mobility. Through industry-led collaborative research and large-scale technology integration trials, CUTRIC is working to achieve this goal by focusing on technology development, integration, and standardization of low-carbon propulsion systems and smart vehicle systems, data-driven analytics in mobility, and cybersecurity in transportation. CUTRIC is designated as the National Planning Service for the Government of Canada’s Zero Emission Transit Fund.
