Room: International AB
Sponsor(s)
 
Session Description
Discover the transformative potential of the energy transition in revolutionizing the global transportation industry. This engaging presentation will delve into international case studies, showcasing the environmental, economic, technological, and societal benefits and challenges of transitioning from traditional fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources. From biofuels to hydrogen, co-combustion, and electrification, explore the latest operational advancements and real-world examples. Gain practical strategies for adoption and uncover how the energy transition can explore operational efficiencies, reduce emissions, and pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future in transportation.
Speaker(s) / Presenter(s)
Derek Hanson – Direx Solutions
Derek has 20 years of experience in the transport and energy sectors, specialising in transport fleet life cycle planning, emissions reduction, and fleet conversion.
Derek joins Direx Solutions after spending 13 years at the City of Edmonton where he was Director, Transit Fleet Maintenance. A leader in his field, he is currently Chair of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Strategic Steering Committee for Transit and Passenger Rail, and former head of the Alberta Zero Emission Hydrogen Transit Committee demonstration project for the trial use of hydrogen fuel cell buses.
Derek is also a Board Member of the Canadian Hydrogen Association, and a vice chair of several committees that advocate for and support the adoption of hydrogen and zero emission vehicles throughout Canada.
Ahmed is a Professional Engineer with a background in mechanical engineering and a Master of Business Administration specializing in sustainable innovation. He brings extensive experience in fleet electrification, transit operations, and maintenance/reliability engineering. Ahmed also holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography, and a Mechanical Engineering Technologist diploma, providing a multidisciplinary perspective on planning for electrification projects, designing and constructing the infrastructure, and systems integration.
Prior to joining Jacobs, Ahmed spent 7.5 years at BC Transit, where he led operational integration of battery electric buses, developed electrification strategies, led the creation of fire risk and mitigation response plans, supported infrastructure and depot designs, and advanced the adoption of charge management and depot management systems by transit operations.
With over 25+ years at Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), Michelle has held roles that span the organization, including business system analyst, project management, portfolio management, strategic initiatives, and revenue protection. Michelle was also the Program Manager for the TTCÂ’s initial 60 Electric Bus (eBus) procurement and implementation of the related charging systems.
Michelle Jones is the Head of Sustainable Innovation for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) under the newly formed Innovation and Sustainability Program. The Innovation & Sustainability Program is a new organization-wide initiative that will allow the TTC to continue exploring the ideas we need to better prepare for the future. It will build on the success of existing green initiatives, including plans for a fully electric TTC fleet by 2040, reducing carbon emissions, and preparing for climate change. The program will also explore innovative and emerging technologies to serve customers better, reduce the TTCÂ’s environmental impact and make the operations more resilient to the effects of climate change. The Innovation and Sustainability Program is a 15-year, $10+ billion portfolio of capital programs, including delivery of TTCÂ’s vehicle procurements, overhauls, and electrification infrastructure.
Michelle is a member of the American Public Transit Association (APTA) Diversity and Inclusion Council and serves on the Board of Directors for the Conference of Minority Transit Officials (COMTO) Toronto and Region, the TTC Pension Plan and the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC).
Michelle graduated from York University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics for Commerce. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and is currently studying for her Executive Masters of Business Administration (eMBA).
Moderator(s)
Michelle Jones – Toronto Transit Commission