Alberta to seek private bids for Calgary-Edmonton high-speed rail

The Alberta government has announced plans to launch a formal request for proposals (RFP) this fall to solicit private sector bids for a high-speed passenger rail system. The proposed corridor would connect Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer, with additional service to Airdrie and Alberta’s two major international airports.

Premier Danielle Smith stated that the project aims to address rapid population growth in the Calgary-Edmonton corridor, which houses approximately 80 per cent of the province's population. The initiative seeks to minimize provincial funding by prioritizing private-sector investment and innovation. If successful, the rail line could reduce travel times between Calgary and Edmonton to under two hours.

The federal government has committed to supporting the project by referring the corridor to the federal Major Projects Office once a private proponent is selected. This coordination aims to assist with planning and the exploration of financing options. The province expects to select a successful proponent by April 2027. Future development will involve consultations with Indigenous communities, municipalities, and the public to assess costs and benefits.