ITRD Shortline Report Bringing back Regional Rail to Alberta

This study will report whether or not existing short lines in Alberta are in a position to offer passenger rail service. The study will recommend how to accelerate a passenger rail pilot project in Alberta, Canada. For nearly forty years, a high-speed rail corridor between Edmonton and Calgary has been debated, with no action being taken. Rather than instituting high speed rail in the CalgaryEdmonton corridor, this report will research whether it is possible to utilize and build upon preexisting infrastructure in the region, specifically utilizing shortline railways to service smaller communities. The research will determine whether use of the existing Right of Way to be a more cost effective, inclusive, and sustainable alternative to high-speed rail. In order for the reintroduction of passenger rail service to be achieved, many gaps need to be filled, literally and figuratively. The physical gaps between independent shortlines, Canadian National (CN) rail lines, and Canadian Pacific-Kansas City (CPKC) rail lines must be filled to develop a functioning route throughout Alberta. Granting shortlines improved access to the CN and CPKC rail lines would allow for mixed rail (passenger and freight) to have an efficient route for their respective purposes. Additionally, there are gaps that must be filled to transition from a freight rail line to a passenger rail line, including safety protocols, upgrades to infrastructure, and the creation of new infrastructure, such as stations and their respective requirements.