TravelAid: Collaborative Donation App

Integrated.Travel Research and Development aims to enhance community engagement and support through the creation of a mobile application, TravelAid, designed to facilitate collaboration among users and enable seamless donation processes. The app will serve as a platform where travelers and local communities can connect, share resources, and support each other. The primary goal is to create a user-friendly interface that allows users to easily collaborate on travel plans, share experiences, and contribute to community-driven projects through donations. The project will focus on integrating secure payment gateways for donations, ensuring user data privacy, and providing a seamless user experience. By leveraging classroom knowledge in app development, user interface design, and data security, learners will have the opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world context.

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

Helena to Great Falls Railroad Reactivation Feasibility Study

The Helena to Great Falls railroad has been embargoed due to various structural and logistical issues. This project aims to assess the current state of the railroad and determine the feasibility of its repair and reactivation. The primary objectives include identifying existing issues with the track, locating wash-outs, and evaluating the necessity for remediation. Additionally, the project will assess the number of tunnels requiring upgrades and estimate the costs involved in reactivating the railroad. Finally, the project will explore potential financial partnerships that could support the reactivation efforts. By applying classroom knowledge in civil engineering and project management, learners will gain practical experience in infrastructure assessment and strategic planning. Montana official asks BNSF to reopen Great Falls-Helena line | Trains Magazine Road closures continue along I-15 between Great Falls and Helena

Optimal Station Location Analysis for Belgrade-Bozeman-Yellowstone Airport

The project aims to identify the optimal location for a new transportation station that will effectively serve the Belgrade, Bozeman, and Yellowstone Airport areas. The goal is to enhance connectivity and accessibility for travelers and residents, ensuring efficient transportation links between these key locations. The project involves analyzing demographic data, traffic patterns, and existing infrastructure to determine the most strategic site for the station. Learners will apply geographic information systems (GIS) and urban planning principles to evaluate potential sites. The project will also consider environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and future growth projections to ensure a sustainable and practical solution. Key tasks include: - Collecting and analyzing demographic and traffic data. - Evaluating existing transportation infrastructure. - Identifying potential station sites using GIS tools. - Assessing environmental and economic impacts of each site. - Recommending the optimal location based on comprehensive analysis.

Great Falls Station Siting Analysis

The project involves analyzing potential locations for a new train station in Great Falls, focusing on optimizing the north-south train route without the need to cross the Missouri River. Historically, stations were located on the east side, but current infrastructure changes, such as the removal of the wye track west of the golf course, necessitate a reevaluation of station placement. The project will explore the feasibility of reestablishing the west leg of the wye and consider alternative sites, such as the west side or Marketplace near the Hampton Inn south of 10th Ave S. Key considerations include logistical challenges, accessibility, environmental impact, and community integration. The goal is to recommend the most efficient and practical location for the new station, ensuring it meets the needs of both the railway operations and the local community.

Helena Trench Feasibility Study

The Helena Trench Feasibility Study aims to explore the technical and financial viability of constructing a train trench along Montana Avenue in Helena. This project stems from the need to improve transportation infrastructure by eliminating three grade crossings and enhancing street grid connections. Inspired by the Reno ReTRAC project, the study will assess the potential to lower the tracks at Roberts Street, impacting the west end of the existing yard. The project will focus on determining the feasibility of the trench, estimating costs, and identifying potential funding sources. The study will cover the area from approximately 700 feet west of N. Last Chance Gulch to Hannaford Street. By conducting this study, learners will apply their classroom knowledge in civil engineering, urban planning, and transportation systems to a real-world scenario.

Rio Grande Valley Passenger Rail Feasibility Analysis

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.

Feasibility Analysis of Long-Distance Rail Service: Montana to Colorado

Integrated.Travel Research and Development seeks to explore the feasibility of establishing a long-distance rail service connecting Montana and Colorado, with key stops in Sheridan, Gillette, and Cheyenne in Wyoming. The project aims to assess the potential demand, economic viability, and logistical considerations of this proposed rail service. Learners will apply their classroom knowledge in transportation planning, economic analysis, and geographic information systems (GIS) to evaluate various aspects of the project. The goal is to provide a comprehensive analysis that will inform Integrated.Travel's decision-making process regarding the potential implementation of this rail service. The project will involve data collection, stakeholder analysis, route planning, and cost-benefit analysis.

Optimizing Desalination and Pipeline Systems for South Texas

The South Texas Water Development Private Utilities LLC (STWDPULLC) is initiating the construction of a large-scale regional seawater desalination plant and a 54” pipeline system from Brownsville to Laredo, Texas. This project aims to address the urgent water needs in Region "M" by leveraging existing data on desalination water quality and optimizing processes for cost-effectiveness. The project involves researching the chemical composition of Gulf of Mexico seawater, determining which chemicals can be utilized or sold, and identifying cost-effective specifications for the pipeline distribution system. Additionally, the project will assess the environmental impact of building a large-scale desalination plant. The goal is to provide a comprehensive analysis that will guide the construction and operation of the desalination plant and pipeline system.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) - Creating a Comprehensive BIM Model for a Mid-Sized Transportation Hub in LA

The main goal of this project is to create a comprehensive Building Information Modelling (BIM) model for a passenger Transportation Hubs in Great Falls Montana and Lethbridge Alberta. The central stations will incorporate a link to the Airport, Regional Rail to Yellowstone & Calgary, etc. Preference is for the team to identify up to 3 suitable sites for the integrated Travel center. .This includes developing a detailed digital representation of the building's physical and functional characteristics, integrating various systems (architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing), and ensuring the model is coordinated and clash-free.

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.

Sponsorship Attraction Strategy for ITRD

Integrated Travel Research and Development (ITRD) is seeking to enhance its research efforts in transportation, net-zero technologies, regional economic development, and the socio-economic benefits of frequent, affordable, and reliable passenger rail services to rural and indigenous communities. To achieve this, ITRD needs to attract corporate, private, and public sponsorship. The goal of this project is to develop a comprehensive sponsorship attraction strategy that highlights the value and impact of ITRD's research initiatives. The project will involve analyzing potential sponsors, crafting compelling sponsorship proposals, and creating a marketing plan to engage and secure sponsorships. This will enable ITRD to continue its vital research and contribute to sustainable and equitable transportation solutions.

Global Awareness Campaign for Federation of Beer

Federation of Beer has been successfully brewing and distributing Star Trek themed ales in Europe and North America since 2010. With a recent shift towards supporting local brewers and suppliers, the company has pivoted its business practices to promote hyper-local brewing. Despite positive feedback from face-to-face interactions with consumers and Star Trek fans, there is a growing concern that many potential customers are unaware of Federation of Beer's story and its efforts to support local breweries. Additionally, with the expansion into 88 new countries in 2022, there is a significant opportunity to increase the global exposure of these award-winning craft brewers. The goal of this project is to develop a comprehensive global awareness campaign to enhance the visibility of Federation of Beer and its local brewery collaborations.

Community Engagement Enhancement for Research Dissemination

Integrated.Travel Research and Development, a non-profit organization, aims to improve community engagement as it commissions and releases transportation, technical, and socio-economic studies into the public domain. The challenge lies in effectively reaching and involving diverse community members to ensure that the research has a meaningful impact. The goal of this project is to develop a comprehensive strategy that leverages digital platforms, social media, and community events to enhance public awareness and participation. By applying classroom knowledge in marketing, communication, and public relations, learners will create a plan that not only disseminates information but also fosters active community involvement. Key tasks include: - Conducting a needs assessment to understand community engagement gaps. - Developing a multi-channel communication strategy. - Creating content and promotional materials. - Planning and proposing community events or webinars.

Viability of Frequent, Affordable & Reliable Passenger Rail and inter-city busing in Alberta and Montana

Project Description : [Viability of Frequent, Affordable & Reliable Passenger Rail and inter-city busing in Alberta and Montana] "The Viability of Frequent, Affordable & Reliable Passenger Rail and inter-city busing in Alberta and Montana". How should we finance a pilot project? Is there an opportunity to issue shares? Main Goal : The primary objective of this project is to build a comprehensive business plan. We want students to not only understand the significance of their contributions but also feel confident that the project is manageable within a realistic timeframe.

Engineering Feasibility Study for Rail-Based Automobile Transport

The Triangle Railroad Holding Company seeks an engineering study to evaluate the current equipment used for loading, offloading, and transporting passenger vehicles via rail. The goal is to determine the feasibility of integrating personal automobile ferrying into their passenger rail service. This study will involve a comprehensive analysis of the types of equipment required, the costs associated with setup and maintenance over a 20-year period, and the maximum weight and size limitations of the rail ferry equipment. Additionally, the study will assess the maximum number of vehicles and rail flatcars that can be hauled per train set, the required annual number of passenger vehicles to be hauled to cover costs, and the distance needed to justify the transport of vehicle sets. The impact of ramp-up and ramp-off times on rail service will also be evaluated.

Feasibility Study of Semi-Truck Transport via Rail

Integrated.Travel Research and Development is tasked with conducting an engineering and feasibility study for the Triangle Railroad Holding Company. The project aims to evaluate the current equipment used for loading, offloading, and transporting semi-trucks on rail. The study will also assess the feasibility of this transportation method. The goal is to provide a comprehensive analysis that includes the types of equipment required, budget estimates for setup, and annual maintenance costs over a 20-year period. Additionally, the study will determine the maximum weight limit per truck set, the maximum number of truck sets that can be hauled per train set, the required annual number of truck sets hauled to cover costs, and the distance needed to justify the transportation costs.

Alberta and Montana Transportation Data Framework Projects

The main goal for the project is to develop a framework to capture data from public sources such as cities, counties, provinces, and federal government transportation departments in Canada. The data will then be organized, analyzed, and provided as regular updates to transportation designers and engineers within the public and private sector. This will involve several different steps for the team, including: - Collaborating with transportation departments to understand data sources and formats. - Designing and implementing a data capture framework that can collect and organize data from multiple sources. - Developing an analysis platform to process and analyze the captured data. - Creating a user interface for transportation designers and engineers to access and utilize the analyzed data. - Establishing a regular update schedule for the data to ensure it remains current and relevant.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Locomotive Retrofit Project

The main goal for the project is to research the capital investment and running costs for H2 Fuel Cell powered locomotives, determine the economies of scale for fuel cell electric trains to hit the rails profitably, and develop a fuel cell electric train retrofit pilot project using a diesel-electric multiple unit train as a platform, leveraging existing equipment to re-purpose end-of-life assets for the proposed pilot project in Alberta leveraging Alberta's abundant hydrogen and fuel station facilities along Class 1 Right of Ways.

Data Analytics Strategy for Transportation Equity

The main goal for the project is to develop and implement a “Data Analytics Strategy” to offer support to indigenous and rural communities which do not have equitable access to cellphone and GIS data for transportation planning. This strategy will involve the development of a “Social Media data extraction” to estimate transit and passenger rail ridership, economic development opportunities, and gaps in rural community infrastructure. The data will be leveraged to predict impacts to rural and indigenous communities and shared with community leaders to benefit future planning decisions and local economic development initiatives.

Feasibility Study for Calgary-Livingston Passenger and Parcel Rail Service

The main goal of the project is to conduct a feasibility study for the establishment of an international passenger and tourism rail service connecting Calgary to Livingston, Montana. The study will also explore the incorporation of same day and/or overnight parcel services to support online retailers, as well as the necessary coordination and regulatory requirements for the seamless operation of the service. Additionally, the project aims to explore the potential for indigenous investment and service design recommendations, as well as the development of proprietary Technology Integration IP for potential licensing to other international passenger rail operators.

IT Infrastructure Upgrade for Class 1 Railroads

The main goal for the project is to study and baseline the current IT tools leveraged by CPKC, BNSF and UP in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. This baseline will be compared to new software and hardware applications, and an estimate of the costs to upgrade current Class 1T and a recommended list of improvements to be prioritized will be generated. The project aims to improve operational safety and efficiency for the railroad industry, as well as to address conflicts and service disruptions that arise from changes in population growth and integration of services using Class 1 railroad right of ways.

Passenger Rail Locomotive and Coach Sourcing Study

Market and Technology Study for Alberta to Montana Passenger Rail Corridor The main goal for the project is to conduct a comprehensive market and technology study to determine the cost and feasibility of purchasing and maintaining hydrogen fuel cell battery electric passenger rail locomotives and coach equipment for the Alberta to Montana Passenger Rail Corridor. The study will also assess the effects of cold winter weather on the operation of hydrogen fuel cell-battery electric locomotives, determine the power requirements for pulling a 9 car train consist, and estimate the refurbishment cost of retired locomotives or repowering existing ones to provide the rail service.

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.

Sustainable Financial Model and Procurement Strategy for Passenger Rail Activities

The main goal for the project is to develop a sustainable financial model for passenger rail activities in Alberta, as well as to investigate and recommend procurement and management approaches to plan, budget, deliver, operate, and manage the rail activities. The project also aims to assess the financial impacts and risks to the Province of Alberta related to the implementation of the sustainable financial model and procurement strategy.

Of note, the Advocacy Campaign for Environmental Policy sounds wonderful

Of note, the Advocacy Campaign for Environmental Policy sounds wonderful. Our NP needs to help to attract sponsorship funding.  The students may be able to get summer employment if we can attract much needed financial backing. The other project that sounds like a fit is to help us with a Resource Management Assessment. I look forward to discuss these opportunities with you this week  You may call me at 619.995.7670 c Sincerely  Vern Raincock 

Economic Viability Analysis of Pyrolysis and Gasification Products from Woody Biomass

Integrated.Travel Research and Development is seeking to determine the most profitable products derived from the pyrolysis or gasification of woody biomass, specifically sourced from forest fire fuel reduction efforts. The goal is to identify products that can be economically viable without relying on carbon credits. This project will involve analyzing various products generated through these processes, evaluating their market potential, and comparing their profitability. Students will apply their knowledge of chemical engineering, environmental science, and market analysis to assess the economic feasibility of these products. The project aims to provide a comprehensive report that includes a cost-benefit analysis, market trends, and recommendations for the most profitable products. Key tasks include: - Researching pyrolysis and gasification processes and their by-products. - Conducting a market analysis for potential products. - Performing a cost-benefit analysis to determine economic viability. - Compiling findings into a detailed report with recommendations.

Economic Viability Analysis of Algae-Based Products

Integrated.Travel Research and Development is exploring the potential of algae as a high-volume production resource, not only for sustainable aviation fuel but also for other economically viable products. The goal of this project is to identify and analyze the most profitable products that can be derived from algae, considering factors such as market demand, production costs, and environmental impact. Learners will apply their classroom knowledge in biotechnology, economics, and environmental science to conduct a comprehensive analysis. The project will involve researching existing algae-based products, evaluating their economic viability, and recommending the top candidates for further development. Key tasks include: - Conducting a literature review on algae-based products. - Analyzing market trends and demand for these products. - Assessing production costs and potential profitability. - Evaluating the environmental impact of producing these products.

Optimizing Seawater Desalination for South Texas

The South Texas Water Development Private Utilities LLC (STWDPULLC) is embarking on a critical project to construct a large-scale regional seawater desalination plant and a 54” pipeline system from Brownsville to Laredo, Texas. This initiative aims to address the urgent water needs in Region "M" by leveraging existing data on desalination water quality and optimizing processes for cost-effectiveness. The project involves researching the chemical composition of Gulf of Mexico seawater, determining which chemicals can be utilized or sold, and identifying cost-effective specifications for the pipeline distribution system. Additionally, the project will assess the environmental impact of building a large-scale desalination plant. The goal is to provide actionable insights and recommendations that will guide the construction and operation of the desalination plant and pipeline system.

Optimizing Seawater Desalination and Distribution for South Texas

The South Texas Water Development Private Utilities LLC (STWDPULLC) ( STWDPU (stxwdpu.com) ) STXWDPU is embarking on the construction of a large-scale regional seawater desalination plant and a 54” pipeline system from Brownsville to Laredo, Texas. This project aims to address the urgent water needs in Region "M" by leveraging existing data on desalination water quality and optimizing processes for cost-effectiveness. The project involves researching the chemical composition of Gulf of Mexico seawater, determining which chemicals can be utilized or sold, and identifying cost-effective specifications for the pipeline distribution system. Additionally, the project will assess the environmental impact of building a large-scale desalination plant.