Alberta unveils 30-year passenger rail plan linking Edmonton and Calgary

Alberta's long-delayed passenger rail master plan is moving forward. Premier Danielle Smith announced Friday that the province will pursue high-speed rail connecting Edmonton and Calgary, with lines to both international airports and links to existing LRT systems.

The master plan envisions trains traveling at more than 300 km/h between Edmonton and Calgary, and more than 160 km/h on a route from Calgary to Banff. The first phase will focus on connections between downtown stations and the airports, as well as regional routes from Edmonton to St. Albert, Spruce Grove, and Leduc.

Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said Alberta is investing $15 million over three years to advance the initial planning phase, including a central station in downtown Calgary. He did not specify construction timelines or costs for the rail lines themselves, but said financing could come "at little to no cost to the province" through private-sector investment.

"You'd have a private sector proponent coming in, footing the bill for the train, as well as all the development that goes around the train stations," Dreeshen said.

The Edmonton International Airport said it was consulted on the plan and sees the project as a way to offer travellers a more efficient way to reach the airport. The plan was originally due last summer but faced delays while the government worked with industry and rail builders.

For Edmonton commuters, the project remains years away from any actual construction, but the announcement signals the province is serious about moving beyond the planning stage.