How two PICS interns advanced sustainable transportation for communities and the province
Sustainable transportation isn’t just about building bike lanes or adding bus routes—it’s about creating a system that people want to use and feel they can easily access. This past summer, PICS interns Yu-Chieh (Jamie) Tseng and Oliver James tackled the challenge of increasing sustainable options from complementary angles: community engagement and data-driven planning. Their projects illustrate how aligning community needs with infrastructure development can lay the foundation for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Transportation accounts for a large portion of greenhouse gas emissions in British Columbia, but transitioning to sustainable options isn’t just a matter of infrastructure—it’s about behavior and equity. For newcomers to Canada, cultural and logistical barriers—such as language differences and unfamiliarity with local transportation systems—can make adopting sustainable transportation daunting. For local governments, setting aside funds to build infrastructure often requires solid data to justify investments.
Enter Jamie Tseng and Oliver James, two changemakers who began tackling these issues through their PICS internships.
Tseng’s summer with Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) focused on a project called Eco-Voyage. Through workshops tailored to newcomers in Vancouver, Tseng helped participants confidently use sustainable transportation options like public transit, bike shares, and carpooling programs.
“Many participants had never ridden a bike before, we provided resources and created a supportive environment where they could learn alongside peers. It wasn’t just about transportation—it was about fostering confidence and community.”
– Jamie Tseng, PICS intern with Better Environmentally Sound Transportation
Meanwhile, James worked with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit to map and catalogue active transportation infrastructure across B.C. The project created an interactive portal that the ministry can use to make informed decisions about infrastructure investments.
“For me, it was about ensuring small communities were included. Rural areas often lack resources, but their grassroots efforts to improve active transportation deserve recognition. Our data can help amplify these efforts and ensure equitable access to funding.”
– Oliver James, PICS intern with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit
While their projects took different approaches, Tseng and James see opportunities for collaboration. Community engagement efforts like Tseng’s could directly inform data projects like James’, ensuring that insights reflect real-world needs. Similarly, integrating GIS tools into workshops could provide participants with visual aids like charts and illustrations to better understand their transportation options.
“Combining data with community engagement creates a feedback loop.” says Tseng. “When people see their voices reflected in infrastructure decisions, they’re more likely to support and use sustainable options.”
Both Tseng and James said their internships shaped their perspectives and future goals. For James, the experience revealed the broader community-building potential of active transportation, while Tseng’s work reaffirmed her passion for urban planning and creating a transportation system that centers fairness and access.
The PICS Internship Program not only offers hands-on experience but also fosters collaboration among its interns. Tseng and James first connected at a PICS workshop, where they quickly saw how their projects could complement each other. This exchange of ideas underscored the program’s unique value—not just as a professional stepping stone but as an opportunity to make tangible contributions to climate action.
Are you a student at a PICS university (SFU, UVic, UNBC & UBC) that is looking for an opportunity to practice and grow your skills in a climate-related field?
Visit our Careers page to see a list of PICS funded internships for summer 2025.
Christy Ascione is a communications specialist with the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions.
