High-speed rail line with 300 km/h trains will run between Toronto and Quebec City, Trudeau announces

The Liberal government has officially launched a groundbreaking infrastructure project that will revolutionize transportation in Canada. The $3.9 billion design and development plan, known as Alto, aims to connect Quebec City and Toronto with a high-speed rail line that will cover 1,000 kilometers of track. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the ambitious project from Montreal, emphasizing the transformative impact it will have on Canadians.

Trudeau revealed that the new high-speed rail network will utilize all-electric trains capable of reaching speeds up to 300 km/hour. With stops in key cities such as Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montreal, Laval, Trois-Rivières, and Quebec City, the project is set to significantly boost the economy. It is projected to increase the GDP by up to $35 billion annually and create over 51,000 well-paying jobs during the construction phase.

One of the most exciting aspects of the project is the travel time reduction it will bring. Passengers will be able to travel from Montreal to Toronto in just three hours, cutting the travel time in half compared to driving and doubling the speed of Via Rail’s current trains. This increased efficiency and connectivity will have a profound impact on how people travel and where they choose to live.

The construction of the high-speed rail line will not commence until the design phase is completed, a process expected to take four to five years. The funds will be allocated at the end of this period, allowing for the possibility of modifications or cancellations by future governments. Trudeau’s announcement comes at a crucial time as the race to select a new Liberal leader and prime minister is underway, with an election scheduled for the spring.

The selected consortium, Cadence, comprising CDPQ Infra, AtkinsRéalis, Keolis, SYSTRA, SNCF Voyageurs, and Air Canada, will be responsible for building the line. The contract between Cadence and Alto is set to be signed in the coming weeks, outlining the initial design work including track layout and station locations. Alto’s president and CEO, Martin Imbleau, stressed the importance of a thorough design phase to ensure a seamless construction process.

The history of high-speed rail in Canada has been marked by feasibility studies and proposals that never came to fruition. However, the Alto project represents a significant step towards making high-speed rail a reality in the country. The government’s investment in this transformative infrastructure project demonstrates a commitment to enhancing transportation, stimulating economic growth, and creating opportunities for Canadians.

As the project moves forward, it has garnered support from Liberal leadership candidates such as Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland, who recognize the economic benefits and potential of the high-speed rail network. While some critics have dismissed the announcement as a mere photo-op, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to bringing this ambitious project to fruition. With the potential to revolutionize travel and connectivity between major cities, Alto represents a historic milestone in Canadian infrastructure development.