6 Alberta Passenger Rail Studies to be Released April 19th, 2024 by Integrated Travel Research and Development (ITRD)

Integrated Travel Research and Development Announces Groundbreaking Passenger Rail Studies under the Pathways to Environmental Careers Program

"Our strategy is to create a Passenger Rail Commission in Alberta so that Regional Rail will develop & link communities. The integrated service will affordably connect family, friends and visitors"- Vern Raincock

CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA, April 18, 2024 - Integrated Travel Research and Development (ITRD) is set to release six transformative research studies on Friday, April 19th, 2024. These studies, commissioned under the ECO Canada Pathways to Environmental Careers Program, delve into a range of passenger rail technologies and solutions aimed at improving connectivity, sustainability, and community accessibility across Canada and the United States.

Overview of the Studies:

1. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Developments: Examines the viability of retrofitting diesel locomotives with hydrogen fuel cells and battery electric power to align with Net Zero 2050 targets.
2. International Passenger Rail Service between Alberta & Montana: Assesses the economic and connectivity potential of establishing a new rail link between these regions.
3. Connecting Communities Initiative: Focuses on the introduction of frequent inter-community regional rail and transit services to enhance access to housing, medical services, and employment.
4. Urban Transit Integration: Explores the integration of urban rail solutions within major cities to improve commuter flows and reduce urban congestion.
5. Freight Rail Innovations: Investigates advancements in freight rail technologies that can coexist with passenger services, optimizing infrastructure use and efficiency.
6. Rural Access and Mobility: Studies the extension of rail services into rural and remote areas, assessing the impact on local economies and community connectivity.

Event Announcement:

Join ITRD at SUPERTRAIN 2024 on April 20th and 21st and visit ITRD's Booth #FG B-09 at the Genesis Centre in Northeast Calgary. This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with the research team, discuss the findings, and explore the future impact of these innovations. For more details, visit supertrain.ca.

For Media Inquiries and More Information:

Contact: Vern Raincock, Director of Research & Development , Email: pr@integrated.travel, [587-503-5555] office

About Integrated Travel & Research Development (ITRD): ITRD is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing regional rail and integrated travel solutions. Collaborating with stakeholders across various sectors, ITRD aims to bring economic, environmental, and social benefits through enhanced rail connectivity.

Alberta Regional Rail (ARR) Boilerplate: Alberta Regional Rail is dedicated to enhancing inter-connectivity and economic vitality in Alberta through sustainable and efficient transportation solutions, connecting key cities across the province.

Integrated Travel Research and Development of Alberta
Alberta Non- Profit Registration 2512995 ALBERTA LTD
PO Box 70065, Airdrie, Alberta, T4B 0V9
587-503-5555 o
alberta@integrated.travel

Integrated Travel Research and Development of Montana
Montana Non-Profit Registration F1373489
721 Central Ave, Great Falls, MT 59401
406-231-5535 o
montana@integrated.travel

Vern Raincock
Integrated Travel Research and Development
+1 587-503-5555
alberta@integrated.travel

Visit us on social media:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/18718106/

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority confirms that Passenger Rail in Southern Montana Gaining Steam

https://youtu.be/Sb7_zp4ZWFc

Integrated Travel Research and Development
PO Box 70065
Creekside RPO
Airdrie, Alberta, Canada
T4B 0V9

For more information or to book a call to learn more:

Vern Raincock, PR
pr@integrated.travel
+1 587-503-5555 (o)

Introducing Integrated Travel

About Us

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 believe 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.

"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.

Introduction:

We are Integrated Travel, operating under the name Integrated Travel Research and Development Inc. Our mission is to be a catalyst in bringing responsible passenger trains back to Alberta. Why are we doing this? Because we believe that to have a truly integrated travel network in Alberta, we need to include trains as part of the solution.

We are committed to providing accessible transportation for all Albertans, regardless of income or background. Here's our message, with a focus on transportation equity for all.

Rail for All!

Our Vision:

We envision a future where regional rail becomes an integral part of Alberta's transportation system, offering affordable and sustainable travel options between Edmonton and Calgary, across Alberta, and extending to Montana. Our vision is for a regional inter-municipality transportation network that provides seamless, door-to-door connectivity to everyone in the region. Scheduled regional passenger rail linking local transit, ride share, transit and airlines offers economic, environmental and equity benefits to all, including low-income, first nations, disability and rural communities, locations where transportation alternatives are limited, and those who cannot drive.

Rail for Everyone is a theme that underlies our vision and goals. We believe in building a transportation network that allows anyone to get from their homes to where they need to go - work, school, medical care, family and friends - even if they don't use a car. Non-drivers are a large and increasing fraction of the population, including the young, the old, the disabled, the poor, and those who are concerned about the planet's future.

We must join together with those representing rail, port, transit and other transportation modes to amplify our collective voices.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to develop and operate a world-class, responsible regional rail transportation system that is reliable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable, ensuring it benefits all Albertans.

Our Goals:

Short Term:
• Fund a feasibility study for the Rail for All: Connecting Communities Edmonton-Calgary route.
• Fund a feasibility study for the Rail for All: Connecting Neighbours Alberta-Montana regional connection.

Mid-Term:
• Run a pilot project in Alberta using demostration rolling stock
• Establish a Regional Rail Transportation Authority to oversee the proposal process.
• RRTA to develop a capital expenditures and project plan.
Long-Term:
• Create a regional passenger rail system connecting Calgary to Edmonton under the Rail for All: Connecting Communities framework
• Create a regional passenger rail system linking Alberta to Montana, including connections to Montana airports (Bozeman and Great Falls) and national parks under the Rail for All: Connecting Neighbours framework.

Projects:

We presently are exploring two programs to bring responsible rail to Alberta. "Connecting Neighbours" and "Connecting Communities"

1. Rail for All: Connecting Communities - Calgary-Edmonton Corridor:
The Responsible Rail project aims to bring numerous benefits to under-served communities along the Calgary-Edmonton corridor, focusing on enhanced connectivity, transportation justice, economic growth, improved quality of life, airport connectivity, and reduced emissions. It's a project that strives for fairness and transportation equity for all communities along the corridor.

Benefits Rail for All: Connecting Communities:
1. Accessible Transportation: Prioritizing affordable transportation for all Albertans, reducing traffic on roads and highways, and providing access to jobs and education.
2. Economic Growth: Boosting sustainability and economic development in smaller Alberta communities while enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
3. Airport Connectivity: Connecting major international airports for efficiency and accessibility.
4. Reduced Emissions: Significantly reducing CO2 emissions compared to air travel, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly transportation option.

The Five Pillars of "Connecting Communities" Approach
1. Safety: Prioritizing safety measures to prevent accidents.
2. Equality: Ensuring that all communities, especially underserved and indigenous ones, have their rights and interests respected.
3. Sustainability: Implementing sustainable technologies and practices to lower our carbon footprint and to help Alberta reach its carbon reduction targets.
4. Practicality: Using new advanced technologies including the viability to retro-fit diesel electric Locomotives to hydrogen fuel cell + battery electric service on freight-compatible rolling stock (using existing track with new sidings and community stations).
5. Accessibility: Making rail systems accessible to all, including passengers with disabilities as well as the under-served rural and indigenous communities found along the Cal-Ed corridor

2. Rail for All: Connecting Neighbours - Alberta-Montana Corridor:
In addition to benefiting the local tourism industry, Integrated Travel is exploring the possibility of connecting with Montana Regional Rail. This connection would create new travel opportunities for US travellers and further boost the region's tourism industry, ensuring transportation equity. By providing easy access to the Calgary-Edmonton corridor, the connection with Montana Regional Rail makes it an attractive destination for cross-border travel. It creates a seamless and integrated transportation system that spans the border, offering a new and exciting travel option for tourists and promoting transportation equity.
We are excited to collaborate with the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority to foster closer connections among our communities through responsible rail projects. This partnership brings mutual advantages to both regions, including increased tourism, strengthened economic ties, and an improved quality of life. Our goal is to ensure that these benefits are accessible to all Albertans.

The Connecting Neighbours program aims to deliver a range of benefits to under-served communities along the Alberta-Montana corridor. These benefits include improved connectivity, transportation fairness, economic growth, enhanced quality of life, better airport access, and reduced emissions. The program is committed to promoting fairness and transportation equity for all communities along the corridor.

Benefits Our Rail for All "Connecting Neighbors" Alberta-Montana Corridor:

1. Accessible Transportation: Prioritizing affordable transportation for all individuals, reducing traffic on roads and highways, and providing access to jobs and education.
2. Connecting communities on both sides of the border - with a focus to get the economic development of indigenous communities on track.
3. Economic Growth: Boosting sustainability and economic development in smaller communities while enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
4. Airport Connectivity: Connecting major international airports for efficiency and accessibility.
5. Reduced Emissions: Significantly reducing CO2 emissions compared to air travel, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly transportation option.

The Five Pillars of "Connecting Neighbors" Approach
1. Safety: Prioritizing safety measures to prevent accidents.
2. Equality: Ensuring that all communities, especially under-served and indigenous ones, have their rights and interests respected.
3. Sustainability: Implementing sustainable technologies and practices to lower our carbon footprint and help reach carbon reduction targets.
4. Practicality: Using new advanced technologies like hydrogen and electric battery on freight-compatible rolling stock, utilizing existing track with new sidings and community stations.
5. Accessibility: Making rail systems accessible to all, including passengers with disabilities, as well as the underserved rural and indigenous communities found along the Alberta-Montana corridor.

"Rail for All" and Tourism Economic Impact Implications

Overview

The aim of Integrated Travel is to provide a regional transit system that meets the needs of commuters from the suburbs and outlying municipalities, offering convenient transportation options through the congested Calgary-Edmonton corridor. Our mission is to champion, develop, and implement an integrated transportation system that enhances prosperity, sustainability, quality of life, and transportation equity. We call this "Rail for Everyone"

We strive to create a regional transportation advantage, bolster the region's global competitiveness, protect the environment, and improve the well-being of people and communities.

A passenger rail service provides an opportunity to showcase emerging and future technologies. We plan to adapt selected rolling stock for batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, or other sustainable technologies.

While "Rail for Everyone" service will have unique characteristics, it shares similarities with commuter and regional rail systems in other city regions worldwide. These systems typically offer frequent service, use C FR-compliant rolling stock, predominantly utilize surface rail lines, and have good connections and integration with local transit.

Integrated Travel's "Rail for Everyone" aims to enhance connections between towns and cities in the Calgary-Edmonton corridor by utilizing the existing CPKC (Canadian Pacific Railway) rail corridor to a greater extent. By investing in capital improvements to the existing CPKC rail corridor, we can provide additional transportation capacity cost-effectively, generating important economic, social, and environmental benefits, while ensuring transportation equity. With the population of the Calgary-Edmonton corridor expected to grow, Integrated Travel plays a crucial role in meeting the region's transportation needs and promoting fairness in access to transportation.

Over the course of 10 years, our capital infrastructure investment program will enable us to provide faster and more convenient transit for residents of the Calgary-Edmonton corridor, ensuring transportation equity. Our goal is to offer comfortable and stress-free travel experiences that cater to the needs of commuters from all backgrounds and income levels.

Please note that the Integrated Travel's "Rail for Everyone" program outlined is subject to change and refinement as discussions proceed with CPKC, the City of Calgary, the City of Edmonton, and other municipalities in the Calgary-Edmonton corridor. Additional planning, design, and engineering work will lead to adjustments to this program, laying the foundation for the future expansion of the Integrated Travel system with a focus on transportation equity.

The Cal-Ed corridor: A Center of Economic and Cultural Dynamism

The Calgary-Edmonton corridor is a vibrant region with strong economic and cultural dynamics. It attracts newcomers to Canada, offers opportunities for young professionals, and provides a safe and enjoyable environment for families.

Rail for All aims to support the region and its growing travel demands by providing the necessary transportation system capacity and attractive travel options in terms of speed, convenience, comfort, reliability, and transportation equity. Our financially affordable investment will create a sustainable backbone for transit systems, creating net value that exceeds its cost.

Building Rail for All means frequent, flexible, and dependable transportation options that are accessible to all residents, ensuring transportation equity. We envision a transportation system that simplifies the travel experience, transforming a 19th-century rail system into a modern and efficient one for the 21st century, while promoting fairness and inclusivity.

Tourism Economic Impact Implications

Rail for All also offers numerous benefits to the local tourism industry, particularly through the use of green hydrogen technology. This technology minimizes environmental impact and aligns with the growing interest in sustainable travel options within the tourism industry. With green hydrogen technology, tourists can enjoy a comfortable and Eco-friendly ride between Calgary and Edmonton, showcasing Alberta's commitment to sustainable tourism and transportation equity.

Our program also includes connecting the two airports in Calgary and Edmonton, providing an efficient and seamless travel experience for tourists who want to explore both cities. This connection allows travellers to fly into one airport and depart from the other, expanding their travel opportunities and enabling them to explore more of the region while ensuring transportation equity.

By investing in capital improvements to the existing CPKC rail corridor, Rail for All creates a new travel option for tourists, reducing reliance on overcrowded highways and roads. Tourists will benefit from frequent, flexible, and dependable transportation options, making it easier for them to visit popular destinations such as Banff and Jasper National Parks while ensuring transportation equity.

Overall, Rail for All's sustainable and convenient transportation options will appeal to tourists who prioritize environmental responsibility and seamless travel experiences, as well as transportation equity. By creating a robust and modern transportation system that considers transportation equity, Rail for All becomes a key driver of the tourism industry in the region, offering benefits to both tourists and local businesses.

Rail for All!

Contact Info

This release was published on openPR.