(The Calgary Sun published the following story by Melissa Ridgen on April 8.)
CALGARY — An innovative high-speed train locomotive, on display downtown, could be a permanent fixture if Calgary and Edmonton are connected by ultra-fast rail service.
Bombardier brought along its JetTrain locomotive to the Canadian Pacific Railway Pavilion yesterday, and has identified Calgary-Edmonton as an ideal corridor to do business.
Travellers could bolt between the cities at 240 km/h on existing track.
Riders could be downtown in either city in 1 hour and 40 minutes or in Red Deer in 50 minutes.
Lecia Stewart, vice-president of high-speed rail for Bombardier in North America, said the project could cost in the neighbourhood of $3 billion, which would ideally be shared by private companies and government.
A feasibility study is due to be released this summer.
Bombardier’s data shows North American consumers are warming up to the idea of train travel because of traffic frustrations and the need for speed.
“We’re working on a business model to suit consumers and put the least burden on taxpayers,” Stewart said.
It’s not clear how much the service would cost riders.
Hwy. 2 between Alberta’s two largest cities is reportedly Canada’s third-busiest highway, accommodating 50,000 vehicles a day.
High-speed rail is being looked at in 13 North American locations including Quebec-Windsor and Vancouver-Eugene, Ore.
Bombardier’s JetTrain currently operates on one high-speed connection in North America — from Boston to Washington, D.C.