On March 9th, the Government of Canada released a Request for Expressions of Interest to build and operate High Frequency Rail. This represented a noticeable change in scope from previous announcements, particularly in terms of seeking to outsource VIA Rail’s corridor operations to the private sector partner for 30 to 50 years. (For details see …
Transport Action Canada, founded as Transport 2000 Canada in 1977, is the nation’s leading citizen transportation advocacy group. We represent the interests of consumers or users of public transport services in Canada. Here are some of the main issues that our advocacy work revolves around:
- the development of rail passenger services in Canada;
- the future of inter-city bus services and their connectivity to rail and air services;
- urban and commuter transit systems;
- the implications to consumers of the deregulated airline industry in Canada;
- the impact on the public interest of demands for new highway spending
We're here to help you get there.
We exist to advocate on your behalf so that the decision makers understand the needs of passengers, and follow through on what they promise. That new bus stop. That construction being complete. More bus or train times... So on. And we'd love to keep you in the loop.
Solving the Mount Royal Tunnel problem for High Frequency Rail
The Quebecois phrase sac de noeuds, which literally translates to “bag of knots” accurately describes the complex problem that now confronts the High Frequency Rail project in Montreal. Interoperability with the automated Réseau Express Metropolitan (REM) through the Mount Royal Tunnel will not be possible, despite earlier assurances. While the federal government has announced its …
High Frequency Rail has grown into a megaproject, can it succeed as one?
Transport Action is concerned that scope changes put the entire High Frequency Rail project in jeopardy due to the significant cost escalation, and we are very disappointed that a final decision to proceed is unlikely to be made before the next federal election in 2025, despite the many years of work already done and millions of dollars already spent on the project.
...Seeking your views on High Frequency Rail
On Wednesday March 9th, Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra announced the “next step” in the development of High Frequency Rail (HFR). This was followed by the publication of a Request for Expressions of Interest. This document seeks feedback from private sector partners interested in designing and constructing HFR and then assuming operation of both HFR …
Québec City and High Frequency Rail
With the High Frequency Rail Project now envisaged to include electrified passenger trains, access to the Gare du Palais in Québec City is one of the design challenges ahead. The history of passenger rail service to Québec City suggests that finding a solution will be worthwhile. Québec City was late in getting a railway, despite …
Long-distance train fleet replacement inches forward
VIA Rail Canada has confirmed it is preparing a business case for the renewal of its aging long-haul locomotives and cars – some of which are more than 70 years old. The Crown corporation hosted a virtual “Market-Day” event with suppliers on January 20 to discuss the project and seek their input on various elements …