Sustainable mobility in action: revolutionising urban transport at David Johnston R+T Park

In a world where climate change and environmental challenges are putting increasing pressure on infrastructure, cities seek more sustainable transportation solutions and are rethinking their existing systems. Our member, The David Johnston Research + Technology Park (R+T Park) in Canada has been at the forefront of addressing this challenge through its Living Labs Initiative, which launched Canada’s first e-scooter pilot program in 2018.   

The collaboration between our member and the City of Waterloo led to the successful launch of the pilot programme, marking a milestone in the country’s transportation landscape. This project is now testing micro-mobility solutions, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, to improve urban transportation and reduce carbon emissions. This initiative was not only about introducing e-scooters to public spaces, but also to ensure they integrated safely into existing urban environments, shaping regulations and policies that influenced similar programs nationwide.  

R+T Park’s Living Labs initiative has proven that real-world testing of sustainable transportation options can generate valuable insights that drive policy change and promote the adoption of micro-mobility solutions. The ultimate goal is to reduce car dependency and create more sustainable, accessible urban mobility solutions for residents. 

This type of initiative exemplifies how IASP members work to tackle pressing global challenges and advance technological solutions that will shape the future of transportation.