Today, the University of Toronto was presented with the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Toronto Project of the Year Award for the Electric-cargo Pilot Study, in partnership with the City of Toronto and featuring Purolator’s Urban Quick Stop on the University of Toronto St. George campus. This award recognizes the significant achievements and contributions in the field of transportation engineering.
The innovative Urban Quick stop is a mini hub for couriers on electric cargo bikes (e-bikes), facilitating the efficient delivery of packages throughout the surrounding area. The e-bikes replace traditional courier delivery trucks, for a more sustainable and environmentally delivery solution that also eliminates the need for parking space and reduces traffic congestion. The Urban Quick Stop also features full retail shipping services, where individuals across campus can drop off and pick-up packages conveniently while going about their day.
“Congratulations to the University of Toronto for this prestigious award,” said Dariusz Grabka, Head of Purolator’s Digital Lab research and innovation department. “We’re proud of this acknowledgement of the work we are doing together to address urban delivery challenges and enhance sustainability. Our partnership has led to progress in research and development, resulting in more efficient network designs and the integration of electric vehicles. Purolator remains committed to these efforts to advance environmentally conscious practices, foster collaboration and positively impact the communities we serve.”
From left to right: Erik Nevland (President, ITE Toronto Chapter), Usman Ahmed (University of Toronto), Matthew Roorda, (University of Toronto), Mehemed Delibasic (ITE Toronto Chapter, Award Chair) together at the ITE Toronto Section Christmas Luncheon and Annual General Meeting.
Now in its 13th year, the ITE Toronto Project of the Year Award program is a competition to showcase ground-breaking transportation projects undertaken by a public or private organization from its Toronto Section.
“This recognition underscores the exceptional synergy between academia, industry and government, witnessed through the University of Toronto’s electric-cargo pilot study,” said Dr. Usman Ahmed, City Logistics for the Urban Economy (CLUE), University of Toronto Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering and research lead on the study. “Our project not only demonstrates excellence and innovation in transportation, but also shows real-world implementation of research.”
The ITE Canada is a not-for-profit professional association. Its mission is to provide the Canadian transportation community opportunities to learn, connect, contribute and grow to best meet the needs for safe and healthy mobility. The organization has over 2,000 transportation engineers, planners, technologists and students across Canada. ITE Canada is one of 11 districts of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), which consists of transportation professionals in more than 70 countries who are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods on streets, highways and transit systems.
