Rio Grande Valley Passenger Rail Feasibility Analysis

Open
Integrated.Travel Research and Development
Mission, Texas, United States
Vern Raincock
Director
(32)
4
Project
Academic experience
80 hours per learner
Learner
Anywhere
Intermediate level

Project scope

Categories
Data visualization Data analysis Civil engineering
Skills
feasibility studies transport engineering cost estimation data analysis urban planning
Details

The Rio Grande Valley Passenger Rail Feasibility Analysis project aims to explore the viability of introducing a new passenger rail service in the Rio Grande Valley region. This project will provide learners with the opportunity to apply their knowledge of data analysis and cost estimation to a real-world transportation study. The primary goal is to assess potential ridership by analyzing population data and to estimate the financial implications of the proposed rail service. The project is designed for students in transportation engineering or urban planning programs, allowing them to engage with practical challenges in regional transportation development. Learners will work closely with a mentor from Mission, Texas, who will provide guidance and insights throughout the study.

Deliverables

The project will culminate in two key deliverables:


- A comprehensive population data analysis report that identifies key areas with potential ridership for the proposed rail service.


- An estimated cost analysis report detailing the financial requirements for implementing the passenger rail project. These deliverables will provide a foundational understanding of the feasibility of the rail service in the region.

Mentorship
Skills, knowledge and expertise

Sharing knowledge in specific technical skills, techniques, methodologies required for the project.

Tools and/or resources

Providing access to necessary tools, software, and resources required for project completion.

Supported causes
Climate action

About the company

Company
Mission, Texas, United States
2 - 10 employees
Banking & finance, Construction, engineering & trades, Energy, Transport, trucking & railroad, Travel & tourism

“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.