Alberta's government to develop a plan for advancing passenger rail

As Alberta experiences record population growth and evolving transportation needs, the provincial government is developing a plan for advancing passenger rail, according to a news release.

Alberta’s long-term Passenger Rail Master Plan will identify actions that can be taken now as well as in the future to build the optimal passenger-rail system for the province, the release said.

The plan will assess the feasibility of passenger rail in the province, including regional (inter-city), commuter and high-speed services.

“A large and efficient passenger-rail network stretching across the province has incredible potential," said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. "There’s a lot of work ahead of us, but I’m confident that we will build the network Albertans need to improve daily life and work, boost the economy and take away the stress of long-distance travel."

Alberta already has significant public mass transit systems in Calgary and Edmonton for the provincial passenger-rail system to build upon, said Devin Dreeshen, the province's minister of transportation and economic corridors.

"The Master Plan will be a vital tool to guide the province on the next steps in advancing passenger rail. It will provide certainty to the rail sector and ensure the most effective use of tax dollars and government authorities," he said.