ITE Canada’s Post

🏙️🚗 Just had the privilege of participating in the "Urban Transport Systems (UTS) – Policy and Planning Advice" webinar, hosted by Engineers Australia. An enlightening session that delved into the future of urban mobility! 🌟 Key Highlights: Policy & Planning Strategies: Exploring the latest strategies to shape efficient and sustainable urban transport systems. Challenges & Solutions: Addressing the challenges faced in modern cities and discussing innovative solutions for better urban mobility. Environmental Impact: The critical role of UTS in reducing environmental impact and fostering sustainability. Expert Insights: Learning from industry experts and thought leaders about the evolving landscape of urban transportation. 🚇 It's evident that UTS policy and planning are at the heart of building smarter, more accessible, and eco-friendly cities. The knowledge shared in this webinar is invaluable for anyone passionate about urban development. 🙏 A big shoutout to Engineers Australia for putting together this enlightening event and to all the speakers for sharing their expertise. Let's keep pushing the boundaries of urban mobility solutions! 🏢🌎 #UrbanTransport #Sustainability #EngineersAustralia

Here is a webinar that I'll be speaking at this Thursday, 9:00am here, noon on the East Coast. It will be based on an article I co-wrote published in this month's ITE Journal: Todd Litman, Ousama Shebeeb and Ronald T. Milam (2024), “VMT as a Metric of Sustainability: Why and How to Implement Vehicle Travel Reduction Targets,” ITE Journal (https://lnkd.in/du_Ebj6c). That article summarizes a longer report, "Vehicle-Miles Traveled (VMT) as a Metric for Sustainability," Institute of Transportation Engineers (www.ite.org); at https://lnkd.in/db9v8SsV.  For more information see my reports: "Are Vehicle Travel Reduction Targets Justified?" (www.vtpi.org/vmt_red.pdf).  "TDM Success Stories" (www.vtpi.org/tdmss.pdf) "A New Transportation Planning Paradigm" (www.vtpi.org/paradigm.pdf) Please let me know what you think.

The Transport Planning Society's 90-minute Buchanan @ 60 webinar on Tuesday, looking back on Colin Buchanan's seminal Traffic in Towns report as it nears the 60th anniversary of its publication was fact-paced, inspiring and exciting--and somehow alarming, too. A shorter TL;DR-type primer on the motivations behind and outcomes of this study also features in this 30-minute public information film from the time. (The sound kicks in from about 1:20 in, so stick with it.) 📺 https://lnkd.in/dNfrqYTZ From this and Tuesday's webinar, I would agree with one description of the report as being both prescient and still eloquently describing some of the challenges we're facing today: ⚖ Its remit and the challenge it explored was about accommodating the motor car, yes, but not at the expense of other uses, instead fitting the motor car into our lives (and cities and towns) without it taking over. This is perhaps an example of it being misunderstood or misapplied over the years. 📈 Demand constraint was baked-in to the principles, either explicitly or implicitly, but how wasn't really well understood. Access permits, road pricing and parking controls were some of the ideas posited. This perhaps recognised the society-level heroic act of self-discipline would never materialise. I fear a similar report today would never even get going because of the commonplace view that we've had enough of experts. I for one like the optimism it expresses. I also especially like Sir Colin's answer to one question (5:22) that "solution is not the right term. There are no straightforward answers. This is much more in the nature of a social situation that has to be dealt with by policies applied over a period." #transportplanning #urbanplanning #mobility

The new Light Rail protect in Brazil São Paulo Mayor Ricardo Nunes signed the launch of a public consultation and the expression of interest procedure for the preparation of projects, surveys and technical, operational, economic-financial and legal-institutional feasibility studies that assist the city hall in feasibility of designing, implementing, operating and maintaining a two-line, 12 km long circular tram network in São Paulo. #infrastructure #lightrail #railway #railwayinfrastructure #rail #railwayengineering #railwayindustry #rollingstock #transport #transportation #transportationindustry #publictransport #publictransportation #publictransit #mobility #urbanmobility #cityliving

Stations should be smart, green and easy to use. Tune in 🎧 as our rail gurus John Versace, NDY’s global Transport Market Sector Director; Robert Bartlett, our NSW Transport Market Sector Leader; and Directors Michael Priest and Anthony Badr share insights on integrated station developments, advanced engineering and how we're making rail travel more efficient and enjoyable than ever. Our team delves into the ripple effects of well-connected rail stations on local communities and economies—from boosting local businesses to creating sustainable living options, the impact is profound. Plus, we're tackling the big questions: How do we design stations that are not only efficient (such as those with overtop or adjacent developments) but also a joy to use? And how do we ensure these spaces evolve with our cities? Listen to the full conversation on our website: https://bit.ly/4eWI0RV #MakingSpacesWork #Transport #Rail Tetra Tech High Performance Buildings Group | Cosentini Associates | Glumac | Hoare Lea

(https://lnkd.in/gW7PG9CG), Active Transportation Summit, 18 June 2024. This presentation critically examines current planning practices that tend to undervalue and underinvest in walking and bicycling infrastructure, and how to correct these biases. My research indicates that active modes provide far more benefits and deserve far more investments than recognized in current planning. “Designing Public Transit for Safety and Security” (https://lnkd.in/gMJjk9-X), Urban Transit Infrastructure Symposium, 19 June 2024. This describes how public transit can increase traffic safety and personal security. Public transit is the safest travel mode and communities become safer as transit travel increases. It summarizes research in my report, “Safer than You Think: Revising the Transit Safety Narrative” (https://vtpi.org/safer.pdf). What do you think? How can we better communicate the benefits of improving and encouraging non-auto travel?

In this insightful discussion, Bentley's Steve Cockerell talks about urban mobility and the past, present, and future of Singapore’s transportation infrastructure. 🎧 Have a listen...

The Calgary Airport Banff Rail (CABR) project was recently in the news, as the premier and Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said they are looking to advance projects that will connect airports and communities around Edmonton and Calgary to their downtowns. Follow the link to read more. https://lnkd.in/genCsBZN Key Points: Regional Connections: The project aims to connect airports and communities around Edmonton and Calgary, enhancing travel convenience and fostering regional growth. Central Station Hub: A proposed “Grand Central Station” in downtown Calgary will be a key integration point, connecting various rail networks. Private-Sector Leadership: Emphasizing a private-sector-led model, this approach aims to reduce costs, expedite development, and minimize risks compared to government-led projects. CABR Proposal: Our animation showcases the Calgary Airport Banff Rail (CABR) project, a public-private partnership designed to boost tourism and streamline transit between the airport, downtown Calgary, and Banff. Future Vision: The project also sets the stage for potential high-speed rail connections between Edmonton and Calgary, pending future economic feasibility. Join us in envisioning a connected future for Alberta! 🌟 #RKVisual #CalgaryBanffRail #RegionalTransit #Alberta #Innovation