Passenger Rail Locomotive and Coach Sourcing Study
Project scope
Categories
Mechanical engineering Supply chain optimization Competitive analysis Product or service launch Environmental sustainabilitySkills
purchasingMarket and Technology Study for Alberta to Montana Passenger Rail Corridor
The main goal for the project is to conduct a comprehensive market and technology study to determine the cost and feasibility of purchasing and maintaining hydrogen fuel cell battery electric passenger rail locomotives and coach equipment for the Alberta to Montana Passenger Rail Corridor. The study will also assess the effects of cold winter weather on the operation of hydrogen fuel cell-battery electric locomotives, determine the power requirements for pulling a 9 car train consist, and estimate the refurbishment cost of retired locomotives or repowering existing ones to provide the rail service.
Tasks to be completed by the learners include:
- Conducting a market study to determine the cost of purchasing and maintaining hydrogen fuel cell battery electric passenger rail locomotives and coach equipment.
- Assessing the effects of cold winter weather on the operation of hydrogen fuel cell-battery electric locomotives in Alberta and Montana.
- Determining the power requirements for pulling a 9 car train consist.
- Estimating the preferred number of H2 fuel cell locomotives to power a 9 car passenger train consist, particularly in winter conditions.
- Estimating the refurbishment cost of retired General Electric P42DC, or repowering a Bombardier ALP45DP or Siemens SC44 locomotive to provide the rail service.
- Comparing the estimated refurbishment cost of different passenger rail coach stock, including bilevel commuter cars, Superliners/Surfliners/California cars, and single level Siemens Ventures that go with the SC44s (Brightline and Amtrak make-ups).
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 actionAbout the company
“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.