Project Proposal: Addressing Alberta's Housing Crisis Through the "Connecting Communities" Initiative

The "Connecting Communities" initiative by Alberta Regional Rail (ARR) and Integrated Travel & Rail Development (ITRD) presents a unique opportunity to tackle Alberta's housing crisis. This project aims to assess and enhance the socio-economic impact of rail network expansion, focusing on community revitalization, housing affordability, and sustainable development along the Calgary-Edmonton corridor. Objective: To explore how the expansion of regional rail services can contribute to resolving Alberta's housing crisis, particularly in underserved areas, and how it can foster balanced regional development.

Alberta to Montana Regional Rail Service Development

The main goal of the project is to conduct a Corridor Identification Study for the development of a regional passenger rail service connecting Alberta to Montana. The study will focus on recommending the preferred service level, frequency, performance, technology, and equity for the rail service. The project also aims to estimate the impact of daily passenger rail service on the tourism zone in Alberta and Montana, as well as to determine the sustainability of the international service and its potential to induce increased tourism within the communities it serves.

Rio Grande Valley Passenger Rail Feasibility Study

The Rio Grande Valley Passenger Rail Feasibility Study aims to evaluate the potential for a new passenger rail service in the Rio Grande Valley region. The project will involve conducting a comprehensive needs assessment to identify the most beneficial and cost-effective routes for the rail service. Students will analyze population data to determine the best areas for ridership and assess the environmental impact of the proposed rail routes. Additionally, the project will require identifying suitable locomotives and estimating overall project costs. The goal is to provide a detailed feasibility study that will help Integrated.Travel Research and Development make informed decisions about the viability of the passenger rail project. This study will involve close collaboration with the project administration team to ensure that all goals and timelines are met.

Shelby Rail Connectivity Enhancement

The project focuses on improving the north-south rail connectivity in Shelby, Montana, specifically addressing the challenges faced by passenger trains utilizing the Teton Wye and the track near the fairgrounds. Currently, trains stopping at the Amtrak platform may need to reverse to access the crossover west of the overpass, which is not an ideal solution. The goal is to assess the feasibility of short-term improvements and propose solutions to enhance the service for north-south passenger trains. Key considerations include evaluating the need for a new right-of-way alignment that connects directly to the platform track and the potential addition of an extra platform to facilitate smoother operations. This project aims to provide practical recommendations that can be implemented within a limited timeframe and budget. MARIAS FAIR