Airdrie, Alberta Aug 11, 2021 (Issuewire.com) - Alberta Regional Rail (ARR) will link towns and cities between Calgary and Edmonton this decade. Talks have progressed with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB). Alberta Regional Rail is encouraged by the recent announcement from CIB that its long-term target to invest $5 billion in public transit remains on track. The federal government of Canada has also committed just under $2 billion annually in new public transit funding over eight years.
ARR has sourced hydrogen fuel cell locomotives and is reviewing specifications & lease financing with a North American rolling stock manufacturer. Alberta Regional Rail has also consulted with government and industry stakeholders as part of its zero-emission growth plan.
ARR is building a regional transit system that meets people's needs, bringing commuters from the suburbs and outlying municipalities into downtown in the morning and home after work. The regional highway and road network is congested, and Alberta Regional Rail has the potential to provide significant new travel options through the Calgary – Edmonton corridor.
Thomas Fryer, Chief Engineer adds " we will develop and implement an integrated transportation system that enhances prosperity, sustainability, and quality of life. The main effort contains specific strategies to create a regional transportation advantage, including bolstering the region's global competitiveness, protecting the environment, and improving people’s and community’s quality of life."
While ARR service will have many unique characteristics, it bears similarities to commuter and regional rail systems in other city regions in North America and around the world. These systems typically have the following basic traits:
- Frequent service
- CFR compliant rolling stock
- Predominantly surface rail lines
- Good connections and integration with local transit
"A passenger rail service affords the ability to act as a testbed and showcase for emerging and future technologies. Via our Strategic Sourcing Initiative, we have identified partners and rolling stock that will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells and other innovative technologies" says Director of Global Sourcing, Vern Raincock.
ARR will invest in track and signaling upgrades with Canadian Pacific (CP) and CN to improve the rail corridor and enhance the existing right of way connections between the towns and cities between Calgary and Edmonton, thus providing relief to overcrowded highways and roads. With the population of the Calgary – Edmonton corridor poised to grow, Alberta Regional Rail provides one of the most significant means to meet the region's transportation needs.
With a capital infrastructure investment program over the course of 10 years, ARR will provide passengers and couriers faster and more convenient transit as the system builds out.
The Calgary – Edmonton corridor is a center of economic and cultural dynamism and strong communities. The region is a preferred place to live for newcomers to Canada, a beacon to young people seeking to launch their careers, and a safe, stable, enjoyable place for parents to raise their children.
Thomas Fryer confirms " the integrated travel system we are engineering will offer residents and visitors within the Calgary to Edmonton corridor, links to Local Transit and Alberta's international airports via an affordable regional rail network. The scenery is superb en-route and the regional rail network stops at communities that offer cool attractions, entertainment, and hospitality options".
"Some of the attractions our travel system will link include:
- The Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin
- Maskwa Park in Maskwacis
- The Ellis Bird Farm in Lacombe
- Bower Ponds in Red Deer
- Botanical Gardens in Olds
- Festival of Lights in Airdrie "
"In a nutshell, the travel system will benefit the Wild Rose region," said Vern Raincock "by providing a sustainable system of innovative, affordable, reliable, and safe mobility options for our residents and visitors that enhances the quality of life and stimulates economic development along with the Calgary to Edmonton Wild Rose Corridor."
Charles Adler and Corus Entertainment invited Alberta Regional Rail to discuss the Hyper-Loop and our Alberta Passenger Rail #green alternative and #CanadianCommonSense.
Passenger Rail Development in Alberta On Track between Edmonton and Calgary
Media Contact
Alberta Regional Railway vern.r@abrailway.com +1 587-503-5555 PO Box 70065 Creekside RPO https://abrailway.com
