VIA Rail

[Truenorth00]

I'm not suggesting HSR for Calgary-Edmonton. Demand doesn't justify it. I think the concept of HFR works there. Just fast enough to avoid grade separation requirements in most places. Done right, that should be a 2 hr trip downtown to downtown. And probably under $3 billion. It would definitely steal a fair bit from the airlines, buses and driving. And would probably develop a solid commuter market out of Red Deer. It's an idea that could get thousands of riders per day. Probably negative return on the capital costs. But would be operationally profitable. And net benefit on externalities.