High-Speed Rail Network Planned for Eastern Canada
Ottawa has awarded a C$3.9 billion contract to Cadence, an international consortium led by Air Canada and AtkinsRealis Group, to develop a high-speed passenger rail network in eastern Canada. The network, spanning approximately 1,000 km from Quebec City to Toronto, will enable trains to reach speeds of up to 300 kph (186 mph). The initial phase of the project involves planning and design. The government estimates that the network will significantly reduce travel times, with a projected three-hour journey between Montreal and Toronto. The consortium also includes the Quebec provincial pension fund, Keolis, and Systra. This initiative marks a significant step towards improving transportation infrastructure in eastern Canada and unlocking economic opportunities for the region.