my favo u r i te. . . In this feature, fellow CITE members share favourite transportation tidbits from across Canada. For this special edition, participants from the recent excite Cities of Tomorrow conference share their favourite...
...transportation promise of the future Kelsey Waugh, B.A.Sc.
Transportation Analyst, LEA Consulting Ltd. | Toronto, ON
Active Transportation and Complete Streets I am most excited about the promise of cities and towns building more complete streets and active transportation facilities into the future. I first learned about Complete Streets while at the City of Burlington and was immediately fascinated with this approach of designing streets – not merely as a conduit to pass by high speeds, but as a place for people to gather and enjoy. This approach is even more critical as we’re seeing more and more people who either can’t or don’t want to drive, making it incumbent on us to consider these, the most vulnerable, users first. I’ve seen first hand the social, economic, and health benefits that a Complete Street can have, and look forward to seeing more streets have transportation for all.
Anthony Kwok, B. Eng., EIT
Graduate Student, Carleton University & Transportation Designer, Morrison Hershfield | Ottawa, ON Whenever I think about the future of transportation, there are so many ideas that spring to mind, be it the development of autonomous and connected vehicles, designing complete streets, or promoting active transportation solutions to name a few. Although I do believe each idea will, in their own right, make a positive impact on our transportation needs for the present and in the future, I was inspired by my recent experiences at the inaugural excite conference to promise that all modes of transportation shall remain an accessible service for all regardless of their personal circumstances as we explore the future of transportation. My belief is providing mobility as an accessible service to all will contribute to promoting the liveliness and health of our communities.
Padma Priya Prabha Haridas, EIT, B.Tech
Student, Transportation Engineering Technology, Mohawk College | Hamilton, ON Transportation of the future must be multi-beneficial while utilizing the same resources. Such a major revolution in the field of transportation engineering is the Hyperloop. Hyperloop is a mode of high-speed transportation of freight and passengers in "pods" that are propelled through metal tubes at low pressure with a speed of 970 km/h. If Hyperloop becomes a reality, people will be able to travel longer distances in one-tenth of the time taken by current modes of transportation. This will reduce the use of cars and truck traffic and make roads much safer, thereby providing solutions to current traffic congestions and collisions. Researchers are also trying to produce electricity from the high speed that can be put back into the grid. Even though the initial costs for the project is very high, I see Hyperloop as the answer to many of our current transportation needs – an innovation leading to a sustainable earth.
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TRANSPORTATION TALK | SUMMER 2017