The Canadian government has revealed its ambitious plan to construct a high-speed rail network connecting Quebec City and Toronto. This electrified rail system will cover approximately 1,000 kilometers (622 miles) and allow trains to reach speeds of up to 300 kph (187 mph). The proposed network will feature stations in key cities such as Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, Trois-Rivières, and Quebec City.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau disclosed that the government will allocate CDN$3.9 billion (US$2.74 billion) over six years, starting in the 2024-25 fiscal year, to finalize details like station locations and the network's route before commencing construction. While the ultimate cost and completion timeline remain uncertain, Trudeau emphasized the transformative impact a reliable high-speed rail system would have on Canadians.
The new rail service, named Alto, is expected to reduce travel time between Montréal and Toronto to just three hours. This announcement follows extensive deliberation and analysis aimed at enhancing commuter rail services in central Canada, where existing passenger trains share tracks with freight services, leading to service limitations and delays.
Trudeau underscored that the high-speed rail project, which would be Canada's largest infrastructure endeavor, transcends political terms and requires sustained commitment across administrations. Despite his impending resignation as party leader and prime minister, Trudeau expressed confidence in the project's continuity even if his party loses power in the upcoming election.
Alto's president and CEO, Martin Imbleau, stressed the imperative of offering a sustainable alternative to car and air travel, citing the growing congestion on highways, strained airport capacities, and the unreliability of intercity transportation. The government has enlisted Cadence, a consortium of companies, to collaborate on designing, constructing, financing, operating, and maintaining this monumental rail initiative.
