Driving sustainable transit: CUTRIC's April updates on rail, buses and academia.
Are We On Track for Innovation? Adapting International Rail Technology for Canada
📅 April 23, 2025 | ⏰ 2:00-3:30 PM ET | 📍 Zoom Meeting | 👥 CUTRIC Members
Join us for an interactive session where we’ll explore the challenges and opportunities of integrating international rail technologies into Canada’s rail network. As global rail innovations continue to advance, we’ll look at how these technologies can be adapted to fit Canada’s unique operational, regulatory and environmental needs.
Learn about real-world examples of international companies applying their technology to Canadian systems, and gain insights into the ongoing challenges. Plus, hear updates from CUTRIC on our Cybersecurity Initiative. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of the discussion.
Revolutionizing Public Transit: The Future of Wireless Power and In-Motion Charging for Bus Rapid Transit
📅 April 24, 2025 | ⏰ 1:00-3:00 PM ET | 📍 Zoom Meeting | 👥 CUTRIC Members
Join us for our upcoming Zero Emissions Bus Technologies & Energy Solutions Committee sessions. The sessions aim to explore how wireless power and in-motion charging technologies are reshaping the future of sustainable public transit.
Session #1: The Future of Wireless Power: Can Inductive Systems Transform Public Transit?
Inductive charging technologies hold significant promise for transforming zero emissions transit. In this session, we will explore the operational benefits of inductive charging systems, including the reduced maintenance requirements, capabilities for continuous charging during regular bus operations and more. We'll also consider the challenges and criticisms they face. We'll also examine case studies from cities that have implemented this technology, exploring the practicalities of wireless power transfer and the potential for enhanced fleet efficiency and reduced infrastructure costs.
Session #2: In-Motion Charging Trolleys in Revolutionizing Bus Rapid Transit Systems
As urban centres look for ways to make their transit systems more sustainable and efficient, In-Motion Charging (IMC) trolleys present a cutting-edge solution for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. This session will examine how IMC technology can transform BRT networks by extending operational range, reducing downtime and lowering environmental impact. By comparing the benefits and challenges of IMC trolleys in comparison to their Battery Electric Bus and Fuel Cell Electric Bus counterparts, the session offers insights into their potential to shape the future of urban transit.
FACT Task Force: A United Response to Trade Tariff Threats
📅 April 25, 2025 | ⏰ 4:00-5:00 PM ET | 📍 Zoom Meeting | 👥 CUTRIC Members
CUTRIC is proud to announce the upcoming Foreign Affairs, Commerce & Trade (FACT) Task Force meeting #3 — a focused initiative to safeguard Canada’s transit and heavy-duty bus manufacturing sectorin the face of rising trade protectionism and evolving tariff regimes.
Emerging from recent committee discussions, the FACT Task Force is being structured as a time-bound, action-driven body (6 to 12 months) with a clear scope: to defend Canadian manufacturers against the looming threat of tariffs under a Trump-led U.S. administration and potential retaliatory measures at home. Its primary goals include securing tariff exemptions, stabilizing supply chains and protecting Canadian jobs.
The Task Force will advance a “Team Canada Transit Manufacturer” position through coordinated lobbying efforts, informed legal consultations and data-driven advocacy, while working toward greater recognition of transit manufacturing in bilateral trade negotiations. A mini-governance structure is being established, including the nomination of a chair and vice-chair from industry stakeholders most at risk.
As the April 28 U.S. primary election approaches, the FACT Task Force is accelerating outreach to federal departments, OEMs, legal experts and allied partners. Key deliverables include an official charter, targeted lobbying campaigns, job impact reporting and collaboration with U.S. counterparts to push for broader tariff relief.
With global competition intensifying, the time to act is now. Join CUTRIC and its partners in shaping a resilient, forward-looking trade strategy for Canada’s transit manufacturing sector.
Micromobility and Multi-Modal Transit: Alternative Mode of Mobility Beyond Traditional Buses
📅 April 9, 2025 | 👥 CUTRIC Members
Our Academic Committee for Transit Innovation held its second session on Micromobility and Multi-Modal Transit took earlier this month. Speakers included Desmond Jaricha (CUTRIC), Ezra Lipton (Sustainable Mobility Planner), Jason Keillor (Transdev), Dr. Amer Shalaby (University of Toronto) and Dr. Merkebe Demissie (University of Calgary), who shared insights on shared micromobility, on-demand transit, and integrated mobility solutions.
The session aimed to strengthen connections between academia and industry, with MDs and Secondaries pre-registered and able to add the session to their calendars through confirmation emails.
Key Highlights:
✔️ The Rise of Shared Micromobility: The meeting highlighted how share micromobility services, like bike share and e-scooters for example, are addressing urban transportation needs. Presenters pointed out the increasing number of trips made using these services and their potential to enhance connectivity, particularly for the first and last parts of their trips.
✔️ On-Demand Transit Solutions: The discussion focused on how on-demand transit offers flexible and efficient transportation options, especially in low-density areas and during off-peak hours. Speakers noted that these services can effectively integrate with existing transit networks and offer scalable solutions without requiring significant infrastructure investments.
✔️ Data-Driven Decision Making: Presenters stressed the importance of data collection and analysis for informed decision-making in transit planning. Specifically, the use of data to track the adoption and growth of shared micromobility services and their impact on traditional transit systems.