Southern Alberta AADT Analysis and Emission Reduction Project

Closed
Project
Academic experience
120 hours per learner
Learner
Anywhere
Advanced level

Project scope

Categories
Data visualization Data analysis Data modelling Environmental sustainability Artificial intelligence
Skills
reduction potential advocacy emission reduction projects research
Details

The main goal for the project is to conduct a detailed traffic and mobility analysis of specific highways in Alberta, focusing on the daily passenger vehicle count, recovery of automobile traffic density after the pandemic, and emission reduction estimates to remove personal vehicles from these corridors by implementing a Hydrogen Fuel Cell - Battery Electric train. The project is for Integrated Travel Research and Development, with a special focus on promoting transportation equity and sustainability through the "Rail for All" approach.


Deliverables


Tasks for learners to complete to achieve the project goal:


- Analyze the AADT data for AB Highway 23, Highway 4, AB Highway 1, and AB Highway 3 since 2018.


- Prepare a report on the daily passenger vehicle count within these corridors since 2018, including recovery of automobile traffic density after the pandemic.


- Research and estimate emission reduction potential by replacing personal vehicles with a Hydrogen Fuel Cell - Battery Electric train on these corridors.


- Develop a comprehensive traffic and mobility analysis report for the specified highways, focusing on sustainability and transportation equity.


- Present findings and recommendations to promote the implementation of the "Rail for All" approach in Alberta.


- Collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen relationships and advocate for the needs of rail passengers in the region.



Final deliverables:


- A detailed report on the AADT analysis, recovery of automobile traffic density, and emission reduction estimates for the specified highways.


- Presentation materials for advocating the "Rail for All" approach to stakeholders and community supporters.


- Recommendations for the implementation of sustainable and equitable transportation options 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.


Integrated Travel Research and Development (ITRD) was formed in 2023. It is a registered not-for-profit research organization registered in Alberta and Montana. It develops research projects to be released publicly.


Sustainability is one of the most urgent agenda items for our organizations today, yet it is also one of the most intractable. ITRD's mission is to move the need from "what to do" to "we've got it. Let’s move forward today, not tomorrow" 

Supported causes
Climate action

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.