What’s HappeningNewsResponsible Leadership: Rethinking Transportation to Accelerate the Fight Against Climate Change

Responsible Leadership: Rethinking Transportation to Accelerate the Fight Against Climate Change

October 24, 2024

TAC Sponsor Spotlight Article – AtkinsRéalis

By Laurence Lebel, Director – Systems Engineering & Integration, Rail, Transit and Mobility

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. In Canada, the transportation sector is responsible for 25% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions[i]. The next few years will be critical in changing our trajectory, as our current actions will determine whether we can mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Although the transportation sector significantly contributes to environmental issues, it also holds the potential to incorporate sustainable solutions that cater to citizens’ needs. We must rethink transportation and its implementation, as green mobility encompasses much more than just vehicles.

Interoperability and micromobility for seamless urban travel

Our cities consist of interconnected systems like housing, health care, energy, and transportation that must work together effectively. In terms of transportation infrastructure, weaving interoperability and micromobility into our urban fabric is essential to ensure their sustainability.

Interoperability enables users to navigate from one system to another (e.g., from housing to transportation to health care) in an intuitive, accessible and safe manner. To achieve this, we need to fundamentally rethink our collaborative models among these systems’ stakeholders and incorporate technological innovations that enable greater digital interconnectivity, such as AI.

There is also a need to link networks physically, particularly through micromobility. This is achieved through light and agile modes of transportation used for short distances, such as bicycles and scooters. These modes of transportation bridge some of the gaps between transit stops and users’ destinations, improving connectivity in urban environments. Successful micromobility requires social innovation to support the sharing of these transportation modes.

The redevelopment of the Vendôme STM subway station in Montreal[ii], led by AtkinsRéalis, shows how targeted infrastructure investments and stakeholder engagement can improve accessibility,[iii] promote the use of public transit and foster active mobility. The project included new pedestrian areas and Bixi bike-sharing stations, improving connectivity with the nearby exo train station and McGill University Health Centre.

In addition, Montreal’s REM[iv] and Vancouver’s Canada Line[v] are prime examples of automated light rail systems that effectively reduce urban emissions and traffic through their efficiency and accessibility. Since its launch in 2009, the Canada Line has served over 500 million users[vi], and the first phase of the REM has also proven very successful.

Natural solutions for greater resilience

However, the shift toward public transit and micromobility involves reliance on more complex infrastructures. Consequently, these systems must be designed to be resilient, protecting against acute shocks (e.g., floods, heat waves, pandemics) and adaptable to chronic stressors (e.g., rising sea levels, aging infrastructure, and population).

We must consider all the solutions at our disposal to reverse the current climate impact trajectory. Beyond technological and social innovations, nature-based solutions are crucial for achieving climate goals by promoting biodiversity conservation, improving air and water quality, and creating green spaces.

The New Champlain Bridge Corridor Project[vii] beautifully illustrates the implementation of these principles. Besides enhancing flow (e.g., public transit, multipurpose tracks), this project introduced a number of innovative solutions for stormwater management, the protection of natural environments and the use of more sustainable materials.

While accelerating the fight against climate change means improving the integration of transportation systems, implementing effective solutions will require a significant collective effort involving governments, businesses and our communities, based on the expertise of consulting engineering. Together, we can build a greener, more resilient future.

Thanks to AtkinsRéalis for being a TAC sponsor. Learn more about the company by reading its sponsor profile at www.atkinsrealis.com


[i] net-zero-canada-2030-report.pdf (atkinsrealis.com)

[ii] New entrance building at Vendôme metro station and pedestrian link to the MUHC (acec.ca)

[iii] VENDÔME Tunnel MISSION: ACCESSIBILITY! – Montreal Children’s Hospital (montrealchildrenshospital.ca)

[iv] Réseau express métropolitain (REM) – AtkinsRéalis (atkinsrealis.com)

[v] The Canada Line | Transformative Projects at SNC-Lavalin (atkinsrealis.com)

[vi] The Canada Line: Celebrating 15 Years of Transit Infrastructure Excellence – AtkinsRéalis (atkinsrealis.com)

[vii] New Champlain Bridge Corridor Project – AtkinsRéalis (atkinsrealis.com)