The public is encouraged to attend a forum this week that will discuss future inter-community transportation options in the Okanagan including a proposed passenger light rail system.
What: Future of inter-community transportation, introduction to proposed light rail system
Who: UBC Okanagan, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, the Okanagan Transit Alliance and Dr. Holger Busche, former Energy and Transport Policy Advisor to Germany’s Green Party
When: Thursday, Nov. 21, doors open at 5 pm
Where: Trinity Church, Refinery Building, 1905 Springfield Rd.,
The topics of traffic flow, congestion, transit and tourism will be the intersection of an upcoming forum set to examine the results of a recent Okanagan Valley survey about the future of transportation in this region.
The event, organized by UBC Okanagan’s SMARTer Growth Research Lab, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and the Okanagan Transit Alliance (OTA) will highlight the findings of a transportation survey that concluded this past summer.
Survey participants—including residents, businesses and visitors—were asked about their transportation habits and preferences for new or future options, and then asked to evaluate five potential transportation solutions that included personal vehicles, local transit, electric commuter rail, ridesharing and vehicle rentals.
The survey was conducted with support from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior, TOTA, OTA and UBCO. The survey highlights will be shared before keynote speaker Dr. Holger Busche—former Energy and Transport Policy Advisor to Germany’s Green Party—discusses the future of hydrogen-battery-fueled passenger trains.
“Survey results confirm that more than 60 per cent of respondents want options for improved inter-community transportation that are safer and more affordable than driving,” says Dr. Gordon Lovegrove, School of Engineering Associate Professor and Principal Investigator for the SMARTer Growth Research Lab. “And tram-train passenger light rail was the preferred option. This is a real, proven technology that has run for more than 40 years in Germany. So, why not in the Okanagan Valley where we can bolster tourism and reduce congestion?”
People in attendance will learn about research examining a valley-wide light rail system and can provide input on future steps, governance, funding and a pilot project location.
“We’re excited to welcome residents to this important forum and opportunity to discuss the future of transportation in the region,” adds Dr. Lovegrove. “We’d like people to come, be informed and have their say on how transportation that connects our communities can be delivered in a more equitable, greener, safer and affordable way than just driving ourselves.”
The forum, taking place at Trinity Church’s Refinery Building, 1905 Springfield Road, is free but pre-registration is encouraged. To learn more about the event and register, visit: events.ok.ubc.ca/event/inter-community-transportation-forum
