Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Prairie Link project.

What is high-speed rail?

High-speed rail (HSR) is a type of steel wheel on steel rail transport that runs significantly faster than traditional rail traffic, using an integrated system of specialized rolling stock and dedicated tracks.

What are the benefits of high-speed rail?

High-speed rail has a number of positives attached to it with one of the most important being safety. It has an unbeaten safety record. Safety in transport is a crucial issue in our modern society, both from a social and an economic point of view. High-speed rail has the highest safety record with fatalities close to zero; accidents on HSR are much rarer compared to traditional networks. In addition, it is fast and efficient and the technology reduces emissions that coincidentally fight climate change, and protects our environment.

What impact will high-speed rail have on Alberta?

Connecting Alberta’s two urban centres (Edmonton and Calgary) with fast, reliable transportation unlocks a huge amount of opportunity for Albertans. Each major city and the towns in between can benefit from the best of each other, as our population grows and the need to diversify our economies increases.

The project will also bring structural and economic diversification in Alberta, it will connect Albertans to more of the places they live, work, and play.

How much will this project cost and will there be any financial impact to the taxpayers?

The Prairie Link project represents a private infrastructure investment in Alberta.

When will the project commence?

Construction will not start immediately, we are in the planning and development phases.

Where will the Prairie Link go? 

In the pre-development phase, we will be conducting analysis on alignment options and station location options collaboratively with input from the advisory committee.

What is the duration of the project?

We anticipate that the project will take 7-9 years to complete.

What preliminary discussions are happening about this project?

We have formed an Advisory Committee that includes representation from and engagement with key stakeholders in Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, Edmonton and Calgary airport authorities, and the Indigenous Peoples of Alberta. Information from these discussions will be available on our website.