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EDMONTON — The Alberta government is developing a Passenger Rail Master Plan and has launched a survey to seek public input on the topic.

The survey runs until Dec. 20 and is open to all Albertans. 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, states a release.

In April 2024, the government announced it would be undertaking the plan, which envisions a passenger rail system that includes public, private or hybrid passenger rail, and includes:

• A commuter rail system for the Calgary area that connects surrounding communities and the Calgary International Airport to downtown;
• a commuter rail system for the Edmonton area that connects surrounding communities and the Edmonton International Airport to downtown;
• passenger rail that runs between Calgary and Edmonton and the Rocky Mountain parks;
• a regional rail line between Calgary and Edmonton, with a local transit hub in Red Deer;
• municipal-led LRT systems in Calgary and Edmonton that integrate with the provincial passenger rail system; and
• rail hubs serving the major cities that would provide links between a commuter rail system, regional rail routes and municipal-led mass transit systems.

The release also states the government would like to set up a “Metrolinx-like” Crown corporation, similar to that in Ontario, with a mandate to develop the infrastructure and oversee daily operations.

The Passenger Rail Master Plan is expected to be complete by summer 2025 with a feasibility assessment, financial and delivery model options, governance and operations recommendations and a 15-year delivery plan.

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