Technology

Active and public transportation infrastructure upgrades underway for communities throughout Alberta

Published

6 months ago

June 26, 2024

RED DEER, AB, June 26, 2024 /CNW/ – Local infrastructure upgrades are coming to over 50 communities across Alberta through 48 active and rural public transportation projects after a combined investment of more than $60 million from the federal government and recipients.

This was announced by Minister Randy Boissonnault and the Mayor of Red Deer, Ken Johnston.

The City of Red Deer will rehabilitate the Canadian Pacific Railway Bridge, a significant historical landmark which is used as a main active transportation corridor. It is the only dedicated river crossing near the greater downtown and Riverside Meadows. This crossing also benefits more vulnerable communities by providing direct access to social supports located on either side of the bridge.

The Bow Valley region of Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise will benefit from three new accessible electric transit buses and a charging station, which will improve traffic flow for commuters and visitors to this busy area in the National park. Similarly, in areas such as Cochrane, Rocky View County, and Medicine Hat, the upgrades or enhancements of transit vehicles will benefit the surrounding communities.

Other rural and Indigenous communities receiving funding will benefit from improvements to existing pathway systems and crosswalk infrastructure. Funding will also support better public transit services with new energy-efficient and accessible vehicles, upgraded equipment and improvements to bus stops, and rural transit planning studies and routes.

The details of each project can be found in the accompanying backgrounder.

Quotes

“As communities in Alberta continue to grow, it is vital to have active and rural public transportation infrastructure that meets their evolving needs. Our government’s investment will encourage Albertans to be active and healthy and contribute to a cleaner environment, creating more resilient and stronger communities for everyone.”

The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“This investment from the federal government means more than just upgrading infrastructure; it signifies a commitment to the well-being and safety of our community. Rehabilitating the Canadian Pacific Railway bridge not only preserves a significant historical landmark but also enhances connectivity, revitalizes our downtown, and ensures access to essential services for all residents, including those most vulnerable. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive Red Deer.”

His Worship Ken Johnston, Mayor of the City of Red Deer

“Thanks to the support of the Rural Transit Solutions fund, we are thrilled to be able to further expand our zero-emission fleet through the purchase of additional electric buses. Operating Roam Transit services within and around Banff National Park, environmental stewardship is paramount to us and our partner communities. Embracing advanced technologies to reduce emissions underscores our commitment to sustainable transit. Adding additional electric buses marks a pivotal moment in our transition, enhancing our journey to lowering emissions, and moving us towards a greener future”.

Martin Bean, CEO, Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission

Quick Facts

The federal government is investing a total of $36,301,698 through the Active Transportation Fund (ATF), the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF) and the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS) of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). The ATF is providing $18,438,784 of this investment for 31 projects, $15,193,328 of this investment is through RTSF in support of 15 projects, and $2,669,586 is through PTIS for two projects. Municipalities and associated funding partners are contributing a total of $24,892,275 to their respective projects.Since 2015, the federal government has committed over $30 billion for public transit and active transportation projects. These historic investments have resulted in close to 2000 projects across the country.Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment obligations.

Active Transportation Fund:

Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods powered by human activity. It includes walking, cycling and the use of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, e-bikes, rollerblades, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more.In support of Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy, the Active Transportation Fund is providing $400 million over five years, starting in 2021, to make travel by active transportation easier, safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable.The National Active Transportation Strategy is the country’s first coast-to-coast-to-coast strategic approach for promoting active transportation and its benefits. The strategy’s aim is to make data-driven and evidence-based investments to build new and expanded active transportation networks, while supporting equitable, healthy, active, and sustainable travel options.

Rural Transit Solutions Fund:

The RTSF helps Canadians living in rural and remote areas get around their communities more easily. It supports the development of rural transit solutions, including new transit service models that could be replicated or scaled up.A minimum of 10% of RTSF’s funding envelope is allocated to projects that benefit Indigenous populations and communities.RTSF’s Planning and Design Projects continuous intake remains open. Through this stream, eligible applicants can receive a grant up to $50,000 in support of a communities’ projects to plan and design a new or expanded transit solution for their communities. Some examples of eligible planning and design projects are assessment of routes and modes of travel, feasibility studies, public and stakeholder engagement and surveys.The RTSF complements Canada’s strengthened climate plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. Through the plan the federal government has committed to providing federal funding for public transit in support of making clean and affordable transportation available in every community.

Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program)

This stream supports the building, expansion, and upgrading of urban and rural transit networks.Including today’s announcement, eighteen infrastructure projects under the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream have been announced in Alberta, with a total federal contribution of more than $1.97 billion and a total provincial contribution of more than $2.03 billion.In 2021, the government announced significant public transit funding that includes billions in support for zero emission buses, rural transit solution, active transportation, and support for major projects to accelerate the expansion of large urban transit systems that many Canadians depend on every day.Averaging $3 billion a year, this predictable and flexible public transit funding will respond to local needs by enhancing integrated planning, improving access to public transit and active transportation, and by supporting the development of more affordable, sustainable, and inclusive communities.On December 18, 2023, the federal government launched the Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy, which highlights the need for a collaborative, region-specific approach to sustainability, focusing on strengthening the coordination of federal programs, and initiatives with significant investments. This Framework is a first step in a journey that will bring together multiple stakeholders. PrairiesCan, the federal department that diversifies the economy across the Canadian prairies, has dedicated $100 million over three years to support projects aligned with priority areas identified by Prairie stakeholders to build a stronger, more sustainable, and inclusive economy for the Prairie provinces and Canada.Infrastructure Canada is supporting the Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy to encourage greater collaboration on investment opportunities, leverage additional funding, and attract new investments across the Prairies that better meet their needs.

Technology

Agoda Highlights Tokyo as Top Global New Year’s Eve Destination

Published

38 minutes ago

December 26, 2024

SINGAPORE, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has announced Tokyo as the most popular destination for New Year’s Eve, based on accommodation searches. This marks a shift from last year when Taipei held the top spot. Following Tokyo, the list includes Bangkok, Taipei, Pattaya, and Osaka, showcasing a diverse range of preferences among travelers.

The data highlights a perpetual interest in Tokyo, a city known for its unique blend of tradition and modernity. Travelers are drawn to its vibrant celebrations, cultural experiences, and iconic landmarks. Bangkok and Taipei, too, continue to be favored destinations, offering rich cultural festivities and lively atmospheres. Pattaya and Osaka also make the list, appealing to those seeking beachside celebrations and culinary delights, respectively.

Agoda’s data reveals Tokyo’s prominence not only on a worldwide scale but also within Japan. Domestic accommodation searches have increased by 23%, with Tokyo leading as the preferred destination, followed by Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama, and Okinawa Main Island. For Japanese traveling abroad, the destinations primarily considered are Taipei, Seoul, Bangkok, Pattaya, and Hong Kong.

Hiroto Ooka, Associate Vice President North Asia at Agoda said: “Tokyo’s rise to the top of Agoda’s New Year’s Eve destination list is a testament to the city’s global appeal. Whether you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve in Tokyo, Osaka, or anywhere else in the world, Agoda is ready to help you find the perfect spot to ring in the New Year.”

As travelers prepare for their New Year’s Eve plans, Agoda offers a comprehensive selection of over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all available for seamless booking. Download the Agoda app for the latest deals or visit agoda.com/deals.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/agoda-highlights-tokyo-as-top-global-new-years-eve-destination-302338856.html

SOURCE Agoda

Technology

SP Manufacturing Expands with New Malaysia Plant, Acquires Ideal Jacobs

Published

2 hours ago

December 26, 2024

SINGAPORE, Dec. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SP Manufacturing (SPM), a leader in Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS), is strengthening its global presence with two major moves: opening a new manufacturing facility in Senai, Malaysia, and successfully acquiring Ideal Jacobs Corporation.

Malaysia Expansion: Enhancing Operations and Supporting Growth

The state-of-the-art Senai facility, which opened in October, will enhance the company’s operational resilience to meet growing customer demands in medical devices, industrial machinery, and automotive electronics.

Equipped with advanced automation and strict quality controls, the factory enables SPM to deliver mission-critical products with precision and reliability while supporting Malaysia’s vision of becoming a leader in high-value, high-tech industries.

“This facility reflects our commitment to serving our global customers while participating in a key location of the global supply chain network,” said Jackson Tan, Global Business Development Director of SP Manufacturing. The plant’s capabilities include cable harness assembly, PCB assembly, and box-build solutions.

The Senai facility is equipped with comprehensive manufacturing capabilities, including:

Functional testingIn-circuit testing and automated optical inspection (AOI)State-of-the-art cleaning processesRigorous inspection protocolsRapid prototyping and expert assembly processes

Ideal Jacobs Acquisition: Expanding Capabilities

In a parallel move, SPM also acquired Ideal Jacobs Corporation, which is known for its human-machine interface, printed electronics and die-cut solutions. The move will expand SPM’s engineering capabilities and provide access to a diversified client portfolio, including leading names in the medical, industrial, semiconductor, and telecommunications sectors.

Comprehensive Design Support in the U.S.

SPM continues to provide comprehensive engineering and design services for its U.S. customers using industry-standard software for PCB and electrical design. These services help clients with their new product introductions (NPI), early supplier involvement (ESI), and DFx processes, optimising costs and reducing time to market.

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Singapore, SP Manufacturing has built its reputation serving mission-critical industries like medical, automotive, and aerospace. The company specialises in cable harnesses, PCB assemblies, and box-build products.

For more information about SP Manufacturing’s latest developments, visit www.sp-manufacturing.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

About SP Manufacturing

SP Manufacturing (SPM), founded in 2000 and headquartered in Singapore, has established itself as a leader in the EMS sector. Serving mission-critical industries such as industrial, medical, automotive, and aerospace, SPM excels in providing comprehensive manufacturing solutions from design to full production, specialising in high-quality cable harnesses, PCB assemblies, and box-build products.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sp-manufacturing-expands-with-new-malaysia-plant-acquires-ideal-jacobs-302338858.html

SOURCE SP Manufacturing

Technology

Casect Launches AI-Enhanced Case Log Platform for Surgeons

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

SHERIDAN, Wyo., Dec 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Casect, LLC, a medical education technology company, announces the launch of an innovative platform to revolutionize how surgeons and medical professionals document cases. Casect empowers users to track surgical Cases, refine Techniques, organize References, and collaborate with Colleagues — all within a user-friendly, HIPAA-compliant system.

Say goodbye to inefficient notebooks, spreadsheets, and outdated case logs. Casect offers a modern, comprehensive solution tailored to the surgical community, enabling professionals to focus on growth, learning, and excellence in patient care.

A New Era of AI-Powered Case Tracking

Time is critical for surgeons, yet valuable insights are often lost due to outdated documentation methods like handwritten notes or spreadsheets. Casect’s HIPAA-compliant platform, with a no data retention policy for protected health information, uses optional AI to pre-fill case details, analyze uploads, and organize data seamlessly. This transforms hours of documentation into minutes, giving surgeons more time to refine skills and improve patient care.

Casect addresses an unmet need in medical education, residency, fellowship, credentialing, and research. It enables detailed documentation of Cases, Techniques, and References, accessible from any computer or mobile device with a subscription.

Key Features

AI-Assisted Case Entry (Optional): Streamline input with AI or manually add details; supports spreadsheet uploads.Customizable Fields: Track cases your way.Refine Techniques: Create, document, and improve surgical techniques.Multimedia Support: Upload, organize, and access photos, videos, and documents.Organize References: Annotate, markup, and securely store documents and literature.Collaborate Seamlessly: Share cases and techniques effortlessly with colleagues.Analyze and Export: Generate insights through charts or export data as CSV.HIPAA-Compliant: Designed to meet strict HIPAA standards, ensuring the security and confidentiality of protected health information.

Additional Resources

Stay Informed: Unlock a 30-day free trial by signing up for the latest updates on Casect’s launch.Learn More: Discover why Casect is the preferred choice for surgeons at Why Casect?Explore Features: View the Full Feature List.Stay Connected: Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates, tips, and stories. Join the conversation with #MedEd, #CaseLog, and #Casect.

About Casect

Born from decades of tracking cases with stickers, notes, and spreadsheets, Casect empowers surgeons with efficient, comprehensive tools to document cases, collaborate, and drive professional growth. By simplifying the case log, Casect helps surgeons identify trends, enhance skills, and improve patient outcomes. For more information, visit www.casect.com or follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn @CasectLLC.

CONTACT: support@casect.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/casect-launches-ai-enhanced-case-log-platform-for-surgeons-302339133.html

SOURCE Casect, LLC