Transportation New

Smart Commute 404-7 Bike to Work Day
June 6, 2008

On Friday, June 6, the first Bike-to-Work Day took place to raise awareness and encourage commuters to ride their bike, instead of their cars that congest the roadways in rush hour. Smart Commute 404-7 hosted the event, with the help of sponsor engineering firms iTRANS Consulting and MMM Group. There were 84 cyclists in all, and 10 enthusiastic cyclists were iTRANS staff. iTRANS hosted the Refreshment Station at the halfway point, with our staff welcoming the cyclists as they rolled in, and prizes given away by Smart Commute members.

Rogers Cable News was on site, interviewing the sponsors mms://video.rogerstelevision.com/video/17/FirstLocalJune6th2008%20.wmv. Other visitors included the Red Bull truck and The Liberal newspaper.

Smart Commute 404-7 expressed their gratitude for our sponsorship and participation:

Pollution Probe Clean Air Commute Week
June 23 - 27, 2008

Pollution Probe's Clean Air Commute Week
is held annually in June, involving workplaces around the GTA in a week of friendly commuting competition. The goal of the event is to encourage commuters to find alternate modes of transportation and help combat pollutants affecting our lungs and our air. iTRANS registered for the event and encouraged our staff to make cleaner choices when deciding how to commute to work that week. Events were held throughout the week with prizes awarded for their accomplishments, as well as a random draw among all participants for a Raleigh mountain bike (provided by Pollution Probe to each organization registered in the event).

iTRANS staff rose to the challenge, with 42 staff across three Ontario offices who walked, cycled, rode transit, carpooled, and even telecommuting. We certainly made a difference, as our combined efforts helped to reduce over 1,305,063 grams in GHG production. We hope this year's event was the most successful one yet for Pollution Probe and we look forward to next year's challenge.

A Raised Profile Across Canada
June 19, 2008

iTRANS has been retained and sought out for several large scale and high-profile projects across North America. Our expertise in transportation planning and strong relationships with our clients have engaged existing and new clients alike to work with iTRANS in improving road networks, transit systems, and road safety across North America. For a sampling of these project and the details of each see below or our Interesting Projects page.

iTRANS & City of Surrey

Over the past year, our Vancouver regional office has had success in developing and strengthening a working relationship with the City of Surrey. Surrey is one of the fastest growing municipalities in BC and is set to catch up with the City of Vancouver population by 2031. iTRANS was originally awarded the 72nd Avenue Corridor Signal Optimization Study helping to develop a relationship with the City by providing strong technical work and maintaining excellent lines of communication. Surrey purchased a copy of iTREC® and which has greatly assisted the work and confidence in the study results. As a result of this budding relationship with the City, iTRANS was recently awarded the 64th Avenue Corridor Signal Optimization Study. The City has also invited iTRANS to partner with them in providing Traffic and Safety Operations Services on an on-going contract basis. iTRANS hopes to continue to be the City's transportation Consultant of Choice. This is a perfect indication of the high caliber of service iTRANS provides its clients, and helps to raise our profile in western Canada.

British Pacific Propertiess

Since its inception, the Vancouver regional office has been working closely with a large private real estate developer, British Pacific Properties Ltd (BPP). Owned by the Guinness family from UK, BPP has played a key role since 1931 in the development of West Vancouver and shaping the mountainside community. West Vancouver is a municipality on the North Shore, with a population approximately 40,000 and one of the wealthiest municipalities in Canada. BPP's most recent project is the planned Rodgers Creek Area, involving iTRANS as an essential contributor to the multi-disciplinary team, moving towards a successful application approval by Council. To date, iTRANS has undertaken the traffic impact study, on-site operational review for Mulgrave School, attended public meetings, presented before Council, and worked with a community technical steering group in the interest of the community. iTRANS' has built a strong foundation for future partnership opportunities with BPP through our strong technical team, innovative problem solving and open communication. We look forward to many more opportunites

GO-by-Bike

iTRANS Consulting is pleased to sponsor the GO-by-Bike project. GO-by-Bike is a green tourism and transportation pilot project encouraging cyclists to take their bikes on the GO Transit to access the network of cycling trails across the GTA. On Sunday, June 1, and every Sunday this summer, cyclists can arrive - with their bikes - at the Ajax GO Station for a great "green day" with plenty of exercise. The paths go from Ajax to Scarborough's Rouge Hill station, where cyclists can hop the GO back to the city to avoid busy roads - their only option when waterfront paths cut off for a long stretch of suburb.

To date, there has been excellent media coverage of GO-by-Bike, including GO News newsletters on trains and in stations (pg 6 & 7 http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/publications/GONews_spring_08_web.pdf) and the Globe & Mail Toronto edition (May 17) in print and national news online: Cyclists get in gear and First, ride the rails. At the project launch on May 28, a Media Conference brought travelers from Union Station to Ajax and back for the Media and Partners Lunch, including the Minister of Health Promotions (Scarborough), Margaret Best and Minister of the Environment, John Gerretsen.

You can read more about the project, learn about participation, sponsorships and other media coverage on the GO-by-Bike website: www.GO-by-Bike.ca

iTRANS Study results in National CUTA Award

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, was recently awarded with the 2008 National CUTA Award for Exceptional Performance/ Outstanding Achievement for their Transit Master Plan. iTRANS was retained by the RM of Wood Buffalo for recommendations which were widely accepted and implemented in their Transit Master Plan. The study was completed in 2007, both on time and within budget. These effort resulted in iTRANS winning a first ever 3-year transit retainer to assist Wood Buffalo in implementing the additional recommendations of the Transit Master Plan, including the functional design and location study for a downtown bus terminal. iTRANS wishes to congratulate to all parties involved in this achievement.

REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WOOD BUFFALO - WOOD BUFFALO TRANSIT - SERVICES RESTRUCTURING AND IMPROVEMENTS
		The urban transit system within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo faced unique challenges. The Oil Sands boom created a backlog of infrastructure needs, the gridlock was prevalent, the fleet was aged and the buses were behind schedule. As the public of Wood Buffalo was not happy, there was a need to create a transit culture overnight and completely revamp theservice during the coldest months of the year. Wood Buffalo Transit was faced with a 'no choice' situation to implement the change before any formal approval. A Transit User Group was established and the system was compelled to focus on service over fare
revenues. The gamble paid off. The Council listened and took action. A more simplified and direct service with fewer routes and newer fleet was implemented. A performance-based contractor agreement was drawn up and customer service became a priority. Ridership decline reversed virtually overnight.
Details can be viewed at: http://www.cutaactu.ca/sites/cutaactu.ca/files/Corporate%20Award%20Eng%20Final_0.pdf

Brampton TTMP

iTRANS Consulting has been retained by the City of Brampton to carry out the Brampton Transit and Transportation Master Plan (TTMP) Study Update. The City approved its TTMP in the fall of 2004, which envisioned the integration of all modes and elements of transportation to provide a "Balanced Transportation System". Building on the transportation vision and strategy that was developed in the 2004 TTMP, this study will update and prepare recommendations in keeping with the sustainable transportation principles and develop an integrated transportation network required to support Brampton's growth up to 2031, as well as accommodate provincial and regional planning goals. The TTMP Sustainable Update will form a part of the overall Growth Plan conformity exercise and provide the basis for revisions / input to the transportation components of the Brampton Official Plan in the context of recent provincial policies.

Vaughan OPA 620 Proposed East-West Collector Road Class EA

The City of Vaughan retained iTRANS Consulting for a Class Environmental Assessment Study to assess the implementation of the Official Plan Amendment (OPA) 620 Proposed East-West Collector Road. The proposed road will provide an east-west connection between Jane Street and Keele Street, north of Steeles Avenue and south of the CN Rail York Subdivision in the City of Vaughan. The study area is presented on the key map below.

This study is being carried out under the guidelines for a Schedule 'C' project under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (October 2000, as amended in 2007).

The first public information centre (PIC) was held on June 17, the purpose of which was to introduce the study, to present the consultation process, the need and justification for the project, including existing conditions, alternative planning solutions, next steps, and to gain public input. A second PIC will be scheduled to present the findings and receive additional public input. Upon completion of the study, an Environmental Study Report will be available for public review and comment for a minimum 30-day public review period.

Red Deer Transit Feasibility Study

A recent article in the Red Deer Express outlined details of a meeting with iTRANS and Red Deer County Council on June 10, 2008. iTRANS presented our Transit Feasibility Study, which was very well received by Council, and made a point of complimenting iTRANS' efforts in putting together a very comprehensive report and hitting all the marks necessary for them to make a decision. As a result, iTRANS has been retained to continue our work and to assist in the next steps identified in our report. Red Deer Transit was also very receptive to our report. A sample of the Red Deer Express article follows:

Transit to Gasoline Alley a step closer

06/11/08
BY ERIN FAWCETT
Red Deer Express
efawcett@reddeer.greatwest.ca
309-5457

Public transit is a definite need in Red Deer County.

County council heard this statement yesterday as they listened to the final report of the Public Transportation Feasibility Study.

"The study is essentially saying there is a need for Red Deer residents to access businesses and places of employment in Gasoline Alley and there is a need for rural residents to access medical services and shopping facilities in Red Deer city and Gasoline Alley," said Wally Beck, vice presidents of iTRANS Consulting Inc., the company hired to conduct the County's Public Transportation Feasibility Study.

Beck told council that 90% of the people who work in Gasoline Alley live in the City of Red Deer.

"There is an immediate demand for public transit in Gasoline Alley," said Beck.

Work on the Public Transportation Feasibility Study got underway last year.

Beck consulted with stakeholders, developed policy framework and short listed service concepts as part of the study.

He discovered some key issues with people he talked to included quality of life, access to medical services, employment and to transit stops.

"There are two different markets out there. One market is the workers and the shoppers wanting to get to and from Gasoline Alley regardless whether they are from Red Deer city or the County," he said.

"The other market is the ones in the rural area that have to access medical services and leisure activities to address quality of life, et cetera."

Beck came up with two options for integrating transit into Red Deer County.

Option one included a transit service running on an hourly basis from Bower Mall, south to Gasoline Alley, over to Springbrook and back to Bower Mall.

Option two included an hourly service running from Bower Mall to Gasoline Alley and back.

"With both of these options we looked at integrating with Red Deer Transit," said Beck.

Two service levels were also studied.

The first service level would see transit running six days a week.

The scheduled service would run Monday to Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. with no service on Sundays and holidays.

The second level would see scheduled transit service run seven days a week.

Mayor Earl Kinsella suggested tabling the report in order to discuss it further with council and other County departments.

"Now that we have all the information in front of us, I would like to discuss this further," he said.

If council approves the study, the next steps would be to look for external funding to implement transit service, purchase the necessary vehicles, negotiate an agreement with the city and determine the best method for service delivery.

It is expected transit service will begin in Red Deer County sometime next year.

 

Cycling Master Plan and Implementation Strategy - City of Mississauga

iTRANS Consulting was retained by the City of Mississauga for their Master Plan Study and Implementation strategy, in anticipation of expanding the existing cycling network by integrating and connecting existing and proposed routes. The planning process shall include several public engagement sessions with hands-on workshops. The Plan will also include use of the Bicycle Compatibility Index to provide detailed assessments for key on-road cycling routes, as well as best practices research for construction and maintenance of cycling facilities. In addition, the Plan will provide an implementation strategy to develop a comprehensive network through several different funding sources, and opportunities through concurrent construction / development projects. You can read more about this ongoing project at:

http://mississauga.com/article/14000

http://www.bikemississauga.ca

NovæResUrbis article

April 28, 2008
iTRANS Consulting is one of the Top 50 Best Workplaces in Canada for the second year running !!!

On April 28, 2008, the Globe and Mail published the list of Top 50 Best Workplaces in Canada, based on surveys conducted by the Great Places to Work® Institute (www.greatplacetowork.ca). We are proud that iTRANS has been selected among the Top 50 Best Workplaces in Canada. In fact, iTRANS ranked in the Top 10 in Canada for two consecutive years - as #9 in 2007 and now as #4. Based completely on staff surveys, the definition of a great place to work is a place where employees "trust the people they work for, have pride in what they do, and enjoy the people they work with".

This recognition by our staff is a great re-affirmation of our ongoing commitment to make iTRANS a Great Place to Work®.

iTRANS is pleased to announce the recipient of the CITE iTRANS Scholarship is Ben Jablonski from the University of Manitoba. Ben is a Civil engineering student at the U of M, having just completed his second year. He has an interest in freight and will be doing a thesis within this topic under Jeannette Montufar's direction. The award was presented to Ben at the 2008 CITE Conference in Victoria, BC on Wednesday, April 30. We wish Ben much success as he completes his studies and embarks on his future career.

The Michel Van Aerde Memorial Transportation Scholarship was also presented at the CITE Conference on April 30. The recipient of the Michel Van Aerde scholarship was Muhammad Ahsanul Habib from the University of Toronto. We wish much success to Muhammad in completing his degree and in his future career.

April 27 - 30, 2008
Platinum sponsor of 2008 CITE Conference in Victoria, BC

iTRANS is pleased to be a Platinum sponsor of the upcoming 2008 Canadian Institute of Technical Engineers (CITE) from April 27 through 30 in Victoria, BC. The CITE iTRANS Undergraduate Scholarship in the amount of $2,000 will be awarded for the first time on Wednesday, April 30. In addition, iTRANS will be making two presentations at the CITE conference on April 29 (Sessions 4a and 4b). Ray Bacquie will be presenting Road Diets or Feeding the Boulevard: Implementation Issues of Balancing Transportation Needs while Bosco Tong will be presenting Towards Developing a Sustainable West Campus at the University of Calgary.

We look forward to meeting everyone in sunny Victoria!!!

April 21, 2008
Michael Trickey, P.Eng. appointed Vice President of Safety & Asset Management Practices

Tyrone Gan, President of iTRANS Consulting Inc, is pleased to announce that Michael Trickey has been appointed our Vice President with overall responsibility for our Safety and Asset Management Practices.

Michael will combine his strong leadership and visionary style to help broaden our well established Safety Practice. With the strongest transportation safety team in the country, Michael will lead our efforts to serve the needs of our clients. Michael will also use his technical and business expertise, and holistic approach to Asset Management to lead this new practice area for iTRANS. This integrated approach to asset and safety management will allow iTRANS to serve our clients' diverse needs.

April 22 - 24, 2008
Proud sponsor of CAMPSI Conference ~ Toronto, April 22 - 24

iTRANS is pleased to be a sponsor of the upcoming 2008 Canadian Asset Management Planning for Sustainable Infrastructure (CAMPSI) from April 22 through 24 in Toronto.

Visit our exhibit booth to talk with our experts and hear about our insights when it comes to your assets.

We look forward to meeting you there!!!

March 29, 2008
iTRANS Powers Down For EARTH HOUR

iTRANS joins the world in the fight against global warming on Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 8 - 9 pm, by participating in Earth Hour's hour without power.

iTRANS has many greening initiatives already in place, and we are always looking for other opportunities to help our communities and keep the planet healthy. One of the many initiatives iTRANS supports is the 407-7 Smart Commute and is a member of the Board of Directors.

At iTRANS, all five regional offices will be participating in Earth Hour by turning off lights and other non-essential electronics where safety and service will not be compromised - we encourage our staff to get involved at home as well.

Earth Hour is an important greening initiative that we support, and we encourage our staff to take action throughout the year in an effort to fight global warming.

Tips on how to reduce energy consumption on a daily basis:

• power down your workstation every night
• turn off lights that are not being used
• unplug small appliances when not in use
• switch to compact florescent light bulbs
• take shorter hot showers
• wash laundry in cold water

iTRANS Consulting is very pleased to announce the appointment of Bosco Tong, M.Sc.E., MBA, C.Eng., P.E., P.Eng., PTOE as Vice President and leader of our Alberta transportation practice. Bosco's appointment strengthens iTRANS' commitment to provide our clients with comprehensive transportation solutions. He has over 30 years of experience in traffic engineering and transportation planning that includes award winning projects in North America. He has and continues to teach at various universities in Canada, the United States, and China.

iTRANS is a full service transportation consulting engineering firm with over 100 employees and ranked among the Top 50 Best Workplaces in Canada by Canadian Business Magazine. Our firm is dedicated to engineering excellence and provides a complete range of transportation planning, engineering, and project management services to our clients.

See attached PDF for full details