Public Transit and Electrified Transportation Project of the Régie intermunicipale de transport Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine (RÉGÎM)

The pilot project carried out by the Régie intermunicipale de transport Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine (Intermunicipal Transportation Board of Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, or RÉGÎM) brings together six municipalities (Gaspé, Maria, Grande-Rivière, Carleton-sur-Mer, Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Chandler). It is a logical follow-up to feasibility studies that were performed in each municipality and to the “SAUVéR” electric vehicle sharing project that was already in place in several municipalities since 2019. The feasibility studies dealt in particular with the possibility of implementing the sharing and electrification of municipal vehicles used by city staff and the RÉGÎM. The pilot project will involve the purchasing and commissioning of 10 electric vehicles and 9 charging stations that will be added to the 18 existing ones. It will also include the creation of “electric service stations” meant to become hubs and meeting points that will increase the visibility of the RÉGÎM’s transportation service offer among citizens. The TCiTé project also involves additional services to RÉGÎM users such as the car-sharing arrangement implemented through the SAUVéR project, as well as ride-sharing and taxi services, and potentially bike-sharing services. The goal of the pilot project will be to create transportation hubs and modal terminals in order to encourage vehicle sharing, public transit, and cleaner and more economical transportation solutions. The core components will involve optimizing the use of municipal vehicles, replacing them with electric vehicles, and sharing them with RÉGÎM users. Environmental benefits with a drastic reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are expected, as well as socio-economic benefits in the form of significant savings for the municipalities and improved mobility for residents. This pilot project meets the requirements of the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) with anticipated GHG reductions of up to 90% and an innovative vision to change mobility within the municipalities. Innovative aspects • The pilot project addresses several simultaneous challenges with regard to transportation electrification (individual and shared) and intermodal connectivity in low- and average-density urban areas. • Sharing of municipal vehicles to generate new sources of revenue and optimize their use • Possibility of adding several services after completion of the project (bike sharing, increased ride sharing) Replicability The pilot project has appealing benefits for municipalities that want to broaden their transportation service offer and decrease their GHG emissions. These projects can also be adapted to a fairly wide group of municipalities. In the specific case of the RÉGÎM, if the project is successful, it will be possible to extend these services to 36 other municipalities by leveraging their newly acquired experience. Environmental benefits • GHG reductions of up to 90%, from 40.6 tonnes to 1.9 tonnes CO2 equivalent (emissions measured at the exhaust) • Optimization of energy consumption (electric and more compact vehicles), with a decrease from 582.7 to 105.4 GJ • Modal change with users adapting to more environmentally friendly uses Economic benefits • Better use of municipal vehicles • Reduced operating costs • Revenue generated by the shared electric vehicles • Diversification of transportation services with a potential increase in the number of users Social benefits • Transportation services that can revitalize the community • Improved quality of transportation and mobility • Transportation solution for all users (Project description from original funding application)