Calgary-Banff passenger rail project advances to development phase

[marmar]

Calgary-Banff passenger rail project advances to development phase
The proposed project would build a rail link between Calgary International Airport and Banff National Park.


A proposal to build a 150-km (93.2-mile) passenger rail line between Calgary International Airport and Banff National Park has entered the development phase with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Invest Alberta Corporation, the government of Alberta’s Ministry of Transportation and the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB).

The passenger service would operate on dedicated tracks constructed within the existing Canadian Pacific freight rail corridor. The proposal includes up to seven stops at Calgary International Airport, downtown Calgary, Calgary Keith, Cochrane, Morley (Stoney Nakoda), Canmore and Banff. Up to 10 departures per day would shuttle passengers between the airport and one of Canada’s most popular destinations. The project would also offer significant congestion relief to vehicles using Hwy 1.

“The YYC-Calgary-Banff rail project has the potential to be the first airport-to-mountain community transit solution of its kind in North America, making Alberta an even more compelling destination for global visitors year-round. I’m proud of Invest Alberta’s work with Alberta Transportation and Canada Infrastructure Bank to explore innovative public-private partnerships like this passenger rail solution which may even be the first hydrogen train in North America. I know they will be working hard over the next several months to develop the economic and environmental benefits to Albertans and improve the attractiveness of visiting Calgary and Banff all year round for several million global visitors,” said Alberta Premier Jason Kenney.

In 2020, the province and CIB conducted a feasibility study to evaluate the benefits of the proposed service. CIB says it continues to support the project and is still considering long-term investment. Alberta Transportation and CIB explain there has also been strong private sector interest demonstrated through an unsolicited proposal by Liricon Capital Ltd. to act as the project developer. ............(more)

https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/article/21230691/calgarybanff-passenger-rail-project-advances-to-development-phase