Proposed 1,000 km/h high-speed train in Alberta hit with delays
Still waiting for that high-speed train to come to Alberta? Well, not so fast…
The Toronto-based company TransPod has been teasing a 1,000 km/h high-speed train project that could one day connect Alberta’s two major cities.
TransPod has previously said the project will create up to 140,000 jobs and add $19 billion to the region’s GDP throughout construction, with the completed route taking passengers from Calgary to Edmonton in 45 minutes.
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Plans were to build a 75-metre-long test bench on a piece of land in Edmonton to “validate and finalize the infrastructure.” While this initial phase was meant to be completed by the end of 2025, plans have hit a roadblock.
The TransPod high-speed guideway project in Alberta has officially been postponed. A new target date for construction has been set for 2026, but there are still a few things that need to be worked out.
According to Sebastien Gendron, the TransPod’s CEO and co-founder, the delay is due to Alberta’s ongoing Passenger Rail Master Plan.
As of one year ago, Premier Danielle Smith launched this initiative to determine Alberta’s long-term transportation strategy. This has involved virtual open house sessions with Albertans, Indigenous roundtables, and online surveys.
“This plan is critical for Alberta’s long-term transportation strategy, and as stakeholders, we must align our development with the province’s future direction,” says Gendron.
TransPod claims that they need to understand Alberta’s priorities and ensure the government’s continued interest before beginning construction. As of right now, the company is hesitant to commit resources without clarity, fearing that it could lead to inefficiencies. The focus right now is on making responsible decisions for the benefit of all parties involved.
“We remain optimistic about the potential of this project and are committed to working collaboratively with Alberta’s leadership to shape the future of transportation. Meanwhile, we continue working with the city of Edmonton and the Edmonton airport to be ready as soon as we receive a green light from the government of Alberta,” says Gendron.
While you might not be zipping between Calgary and Edmonton in under an hour anytime soon, you can check out Alberta’s Passenger Rail Master Plan online and have your say. Would you like to see a high-speed train in Alberta? Let us know in the comments below.