RC108 SeptOct2023 - Magazine - Page 21
try, committed to adapting and overcoming
to lead into the future.
If I were to look forward 10 years, my
hope is that we’ve continued to innovate,
both as an association and as an industry. I
think industry will continue to modernize
and I would hope that we’ll see a very different cultural landscape.
Vincent Guglielmo
Director of Innovation
Initiatives, Canadian
Urban Transit Research &
Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC)
At CUTRIC, we envision a future where
the transit infrastructure in Canada in 2050
is significantly transformed, sustainable,
and driven by cutting-edge technology. To
achieve this vision, we must focus on several
key transformations over the next 15-20
years, involving both the private and public
sectors.
Firstly, electrification is a crucial step
towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions
and creating a more environmentally friendly
transit ecosystem. We must invest in electric
buses, trains, and other modes of transportation, along with the development of an
extensive charging infrastructure network.
This will require strong collaboration between
transit agencies, utility companies, technology
providers and governments, at all levels.
Secondly, autonomous vehicles will play a
significant role in our 2050 transit landscape.
Advancements in AI and machine learning
will enable more efficient and safer public
transportation. Integration of autonomous
vehicles into existing transit networks will
necessitate rethinking urban planning and
infrastructure design, as well as addressing
regulatory challenges.
In addition to electrification and autonomy, hydrogen fuel cell technology
will emerge as a vital component of our
zero-emission transit future. Hydrogen-powered vehicles offer longer ranges
and faster refueling times compared to their
battery-electric counterparts. Furthermore,
hydrogen can be produced from renewable
energy sources, contributing to the overall
sustainability of the transit system. Private
and public sectors should collaborate in
developing hydrogen production, storage,
and refueling infrastructure to support widespread adoption of this technology.
Lastly, an integrated, multimodal transit
system is essential for the future. Seamless
connectivity between various transportation modes, supported by advanced digital
platforms, will enhance user experience, and
promote the use of public transit. Public and
private stakeholders must work together to
develop innovative solutions that facilitate
this integration while prioritizing accessibility
and inclusivity.
CUTRIC is committed to fostering innovation within the transit industry and facilitating the necessary transformations required
to achieve this comprehensive 2050 vision.
Through collaborative research and development projects, we aim to propel Canada’s
transportation sector towards a sustainable,
technologically advanced, and interconnected
future. By working together with our partners in both private and public realms, we
can create a transit infrastructure that is truly
transformative and benefits all Canadians.
Solutions for a
better tomorrow.
We are proud to be recognized as a
2023 Platinum Elite badge recipient on
ReNew Canada’s Top100 Infrastructure Projects.
RENEWCANADA.NET
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023 – RENEW CANADA 21
