In response to growing population and increasing traffic congestion, the Alberta government has unveiled a comprehensive 15-year Passenger Rail Master Plan, aiming to transform the province’s transportation landscape. This ambitious plan encompasses a wide range of initiatives to expand and enhance passenger rail services across the province.
The plan outlines a multi-faceted approach, including the establishment of new commuter rail systems connecting major cities like Calgary and Edmonton to their respective international airports and downtown cores. Furthermore, the plan envisions regional rail lines extending from Calgary and Edmonton to popular tourist destinations such as Banff and Jasper national parks. A key component of the plan is the development of a regional rail line between Calgary and Edmonton, with a transit hub in Red Deer, providing seamless connectivity between Alberta’s two largest cities.
To ensure a cohesive and integrated transportation system, the plan emphasizes the need to connect the provincial rail network to existing LRT systems in major cities. Additionally, the plan considers the construction of a rail line linking Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray, expanding rail services to the northern regions of the province.
Recognizing the significance of assessing feasibility and determining the optimal approach, the plan includes a comprehensive study to evaluate the viability of passenger rail in Alberta, encompassing regional, commuter, and high-speed services. This study will provide detailed insights into the costs, benefits, and requirements for implementing the proposed rail network.
To oversee the development and operation of the passenger rail system, the government intends to establish a Crown corporation similar to Ontario’s Metrolinx. This corporation will be responsible for infrastructure development, daily operations, and planning for future system expansion.
Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen emphasized the government’s commitment to the plan, stating that construction could commence as early as 2027. However, the specific projects to be prioritized will be determined based on feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses.
Experts in the field, such as David Cooper, founder of Leading Mobility, have welcomed the announcement, acknowledging the long-standing discussions surrounding a potential rail line between Edmonton and Calgary. Cooper stressed the importance of thoroughly assessing feasibility and urged a balanced approach, considering both the potential benefits and challenges of rail projects.
Donna Kennedy-Glans, a former MLA, expressed her support for the plan, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and strategic approach to rail development. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing the Edmonton-Calgary rail corridor, given the heavy traffic congestion on Highway 2.
The Alberta government’s Passenger Rail Master Plan represents a bold and ambitious vision for transforming the province’s transportation infrastructure. By expanding passenger rail services, the plan aims to improve connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and drive economic growth across Alberta.
