The future runs on rails
Alberta is growing at a rapid pace with more than 4.75 million people already calling it home. We have one of the highest population growth rates in the country. As of October 2023, our year-over-year population growth rate is more than 4.3%.
Passenger rail services will be a vital factor to connect our growing population and shape the future of how we live, work and play.
Vision
By developing a Passenger Rail Master Plan, we are looking decades ahead and identifying concrete actions to build the optimal passenger rail system for the province.
We will explore a variety of delivery options including public, private or a combination of both.
The vision includes:
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Commuter railA commuter rail system for the Calgary area that connects surrounding communities and the Calgary International Airport to downtown.
A commuter rail system for the Edmonton area that connects surrounding communities and the Edmonton International Airport to downtown.
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Regional rail linesPassenger rail that runs between Calgary and Edmonton and the Rocky Mountain parks, and an inter-city line that runs between Calgary and Edmonton, with a local transit hub in Red Deer.
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Municipal-led LRT systemsLRT systems in Calgary and Edmonton that connect with the provincial passenger rail system.
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Multi-modal hubsProvides links in major cities between commuter rail systems, regional rail routes and municipal-led mass transit systems.
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Crown corporationA province-led agency to develop the infrastructure, oversee daily operations, develop a fare collection/booking system, keep up with system maintenance, and plan for future system expansion.
Alberta's vision for passenger rail
Passenger Rail Master Plan
Alberta already has significant public mass transit systems in Calgary and Edmonton for the provincial passenger rail system to build upon. The Passenger Rail Master Plan will be a vital tool to guide the next steps in advancing Alberta’s passenger rail. The plan will include:
- a comprehensive feasibility assessment that identifies what elements of a passenger rail system should proceed, in what sequence and based on what conditions
- financial and delivery model options that consider private, public or hybrid services
- options to ensure the effective governance and operations of the passenger rail system
- engagement with Albertans and interested stakeholders
- a 15-year delivery plan which will provide options and recommendations to government
Types of passenger rail
Passenger rail is a train consisting of one or more passenger cars used to transport and serve passengers.
Contact
Email: [email protected]