Challenge Synopsis:
Transportation accounts for over 35% of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Metro Vancouver. TransLink is seeking innovative ideas that address key challenges regarding fleet energy optimization and scheduling to reduce GHG emissions.
Context:
As the regional transportation authority for Metro Vancouver, TransLink plans, operates, and maintains bus, SeaBus, SkyTrain, West Coast Express, and HandyDART services, as well as five of the region’s bridges. TransLink also shares responsibility with local governments for the Major Road Network and walking and cycling infrastructure.
In October of 2018, the Mayors’ Council and TransLink Board of Directors approved environmental sustainability targets to reduce greenhouse gas emission by 80% by 2050 and to utilize 100% renewable energy in all operations by 2050. Meeting TransLink’s GHG reduction goals requires the implementation of cleaner, low carbon technologies, progressive policies and clean energy investments.
To achieve these goals, the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation outlined priority transportation improvements for the region in the 10-Year Vision. The 10-Year Vision reflects the consensus of local governments in Metro Vancouver and has been broadly supported by community, environmental, labour, and business stakeholders. In 2016, the Mayors’ Council and the Government of British Columbia reached a funding agreement for Phase One of the 10-Year Vision. In collaboration with the Government of British Columbia, the Mayors’ Council has now reached a funding agreement to advance Phase Two of the 10-Year Vision.
Response Criteria:
- TransLink is seeking low-cost, high impact solutions that will help advance fleet optimization and energy efficiency. Solutions can include, but are not limited to, renewable fuels, in-route and depot charging technologies, ridership analytics to equitably connect customers to transportation options during peak and off-peak periods and fuel supply grid optimization.
- Proponents should be able to provide initial data on market interest (i.e. initial sales data and evidence of a customer-realized value proposition), yet still be at a stage where they can benefit from a TransLink pilot or scaled deployment.
- Proponents should explain how their proposed solution meets the basic certifications and/or minimum standards required to deploy any product and/or service (i.e. CSA, Technical Safety BC, Health Canada, National Sanitation Foundation, WorkSafe BC).
- Proponents must demonstrate Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) compliance for any innovation that handles personal information. Data should be hosted in Canada and encrypted in transit and while at rest.
- If the proposal involved piloting a technology that interacts with TransLink’s system in a manner that requires either data feeds or electrical power, proponents must specify the require parameters; they should also include whether, when, and how often they would require physical access to TransLink premises.
- Proponents should explain desired contributions from TransLink.
- Proponents should explain if their solution requires exclusivity agreements and, if so, what these would entail, including boundaries.
Eligible EU companies can apply to the targeted challenge using the LCBA Canada application portal:
The Opportunity:
- If chosen, conduct a demonstration project with TransLink.
- Pitch your solution during GLOBE Forum 2022, North America’s longest running sustainable business conference.
- Meet new customers and access new markets.
About City of Vancouver:
The South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (“TransLink”) is Metro Vancouver’s regional transportation authority. TransLink is responsible for regional transit, cycling, roads, goods movement, and commuting options, as well as Intelligent Transportation Systems programs. Transit services are delivered through operating subsidiaries, such as the Coast Mountain Bus Company and the British Columbia Rapid Transit Company, as well as third-party contractors. TransLink also shares responsibility for the Major Road Network and walking and cycling infrastructure with its local government partners. TransLink is the first North American transportation authority to be responsible for planning, financing, and managing all public transit in addition to major regional roads, bridges, and cycling.
***Only non-confidential information should be included in your response ***