The proposed project would separate freight and passenger rail traffic by upgrading abandoned and lower density rail infrastructure for passenger rail use. This will boost on-time performance to more than 95 percent and reduce trip times by 25 percent. Additionally, the new service would provide more direct routes, provide new services to communities such as Peterborough, Trois-Rivieres and Laval, include new stations, including near Jean Lesage Airport and utilize electrified technology, providing a cleaner travel option.
VIA Rail proposed the project in 2016 as it faced constraints in operating and financial performance on the popular corridor.
Transport Canada, Infrastructure Canada and Finance Canada have been working with VIA Rail and the Canada Infrastructure Bank to conduct an assessment of the proposal and have developed a phased approach to deliver on the proposal.
“Since proposing High Frequency Rail more than five years ago, VIA Rail has been working tirelessly to ensure it becomes a reality. We are thus pleased with the decisive steps that have been announced as it brings us closer to that objective and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the federal government as a strong partner in delivering High Frequency Rail. It’s time to provide Canadians with a nation-building, growth-generating and environmentally friendly project which will transform the way present and future generations live and travel,” said VIA Rail Canada President and CEO Cynthia Garneau.
The federal government anticipates finalizing a delivery model and launching a request for proposal for the procurement process in fall 2021. Immediate next steps for the project include engaging Indigenous groups and communities to obtain feedback on the project; engaging with the private sector to determine capacity and seek perspectives on the best possible delivery model; and accelerating dialogue with partner railways to negotiate dedicated routes in and out of city centers.
