As a person that has watched, for over 30 years, Canada's inability to modernize its passenger rail system, it gets monotonous hearing the same old arguments. Lately, I have heard some state, "Now is not the time" for high-speed rail. Yep, heard that one for thirty years! Unfortunately, not having modern high-speed rail has resulted in Canada having a passenger rail system that is in decline. For these people, a five-plus-hour train trip between Toronto and Montreal—plagued by regular delays—is somehow tolerable. The regression is remarkable when you consider that the same route took four hours in the 1970s. This recent skepticism about Canada's Alto high-speed rail project misses the forest for the trees. While caution about major infrastructure investments is prudent, dismissing this transformational project ignores compelling economic realities, misrepresents comparative priorities, and underestimates what modern nations require to remain competitive in the 21st...
Michael Schabas Releases High-Speed Rail Conceptual Design and Business Case for Windsor-Quebec City Corridor
Expert Railway Planner Publishes Independent High-Speed Rail Study for Canada High-Speed Rail Canada has published a significant new document on its Ontario-Quebec Studies page LINK : a comprehensive high-speed rail conceptual design and business case for the entire Windsor-Quebec City corridor, authored by renowned railway expert Michael Schabas. About Michael Schabas: Leading Voice in High-Speed Rail Planning Michael Schabas brings decades of international railway expertise to Canadian transportation planning. The Canadian-born transport professional has shaped urban rail, intercity rail, high-speed rail, and long-distance railway projects across three continents, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Career Highlights Transport planner with extensive high-speed rail experience Railway operator and developer Consultant to major Canadian transportation agencies including VIA Rail, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Canada Infrastructure Bank, Transport Ca...