Albertans are being asked for their input on the provincial government's development of a Passenger Rail Master Plan.
The Government of Alberta is inviting residents to complete an online survey by Dec. 20 to help shape the future of passenger rail in the province. The survey can be found at www.alberta.ca/passenger-rail.
“Feedback from Albertans, Alberta municipalities, Indigenous communities and industry will be critically important to developing passenger rail services in Alberta," said Devin Dreeshen, minister of transportation and economic corridors.
"I encourage all Albertans to complete the online survey to help inform a shared vision for passenger rail to enhance accessibility, efficiency, and connectivity across the province.”
There will be additional opportunities for Albertans to have their say on passenger rail in the future, including regional open houses, which will be held in early 2025, the provincial government said in a media release on Friday, Nov. 22.
In April 2024, Alberta’s government announced the development of the Passenger Rail Master Plan for Alberta. The province’s vision is for an Alberta passenger rail system that includes public, private or hybrid passenger rail, including a regional rail line between Calgary and Edmonton, with a local transit hub in Red Deer.
As part of the development of the plan, Alberta’s government will host a one-day forum to provide an opportunity for Alberta communities, industry and experts to collaborate and share information on passenger rail opportunities and challenges. The forum includes experts from Ontario, Quebec, California, Italy, Spain and Japan who are involved in passenger rail procurement, governance and operations. The sessions will allow for the sharing of best practices and lessons learned on passenger rail planning and development, the provincial government stated.
"Alberta was built by innovators and visionaries who saw potential in our province and its people," said Premier Danielle Smith.
"They believed that if you could dream it, you could achieve it. We believe there is opportunity and demand for passenger rail services in Alberta. Today’s forum marks an important step forward in the development of our Passenger Rail Master Plan and in achieving our vision for passenger rail."
