Calgary Regional Rail Transit

[darwink]

It is more if the point of opposition is “that is more of a 2050 kind of idea”, it is a counter.

The main things for Alberta is that comparatively, the line is more affordable (easier to build rail on prairie than shield), and speed is what unlocks revenue, which is what makes it worthwhile (a slower line would require a much larger subsidy).

 

[Disraeli]

@darwink how likely is it that either of the rail proposals move forward to construction in the next decade?

 

[darwink]

@darwink how likely is it that either of the rail proposals move forward to construction in the next decade?

I'd say 85% on airport-downtown-banff. 40% on Calgary-Edmonton HSR (just much higher capital costs, longer construction process, longer regulatory process, requiring much more patient capital). Banff-downtown-airport you're looking at 4-5 years from start of regulatory to opening day. Calgary-Edmonton you're looking at 7-10 years.

As for airport-downtown-Banff:

Canada Infrastructure Bank to consider investing in $1-billion Calgary-Banff rail plan

The potential ridership and the level of support from the Alberta government contribute to the project being a viable one, the bank’s chief investment officer says

www.theglobeandmail.com

 

[Urban Outdoorsman]

So would this at some level negate the need to extend the c-train to the airport?

 

[darwink]

So would this at some level negate the need to extend the c-train to the airport?

A marginal amount, but IMO it serves different markets.

 

[Dārayavauš]

This is great news to see! Hopefully it keeps chuggin along.

Calgary Airport-Banff rail link moves closer to reality, say proponents

Backing from Ottawa and the province means passenger rail service linking Calgary with Banff is well on track, say proponents.

calgaryherald.com

 

[Disraeli]

Is the plan to use diesel powered LRVs?

 

[outoftheice]

Jason Kenney made specific mention of these Alstom Hydrogen powered train sets in his press conference today when asked about the Calgary to Banff rail project.

Coradia iLint™ – the world's 1st hydrogen powered train

The Coradia iLint is the world’s first passenger train powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, which produces electrical power for traction. This zero-emission train emits low levels of noise, with exhaust being only steam and condensed water.

www.alstom.com

 

[Colinfill]

A marginal amount, but IMO it serves different markets.

I assume that this Airport-Banff train would price out airport employees who would want an affordable LRT option to the airport?

 

[googspecial]

So would this at some level negate the need to extend the c-train to the airport?

This is the best plan IMO, with an automated Airport People Mover.

 

[darwink]

^ Only $1.4 billion for that bad boy, connecting the airport to two stations which we need another $2 billion to build.

It will eventually be built. Just not this decade.

 

[Dārayavauš]

So would this at some level negate the need to extend the c-train to the airport?

I doubt it. They are not going to be the same kind of service and different markets. This will not be a daily commuter train - it will be too expensive for that. This will only be for tourists heading to Banff. We need both for the future growth of the city. Especially with the fact that we won't be getting the Green Line North (and airport link) for another 20 years of so.

 

[darwink]

I assume that this Airport-Banff train would price out airport employees who would want an affordable LRT option to the airport?

Well, we can assume a private operator will choose to revenue maximize, and sometimes that means segmenting markets and charging them different amounts. As long as shift change doesn't interfere with departure and arrival banks too hard, and maybe segment off the trains which won't require a transfer to Banff, I could see a monthly pass being offered at whatever cost ensures full price passengers are never replaced by a monthly pass customer. Same with for service from the west and mountains.

 

[zagox]

This is the best plan IMO, with an automated Airport People Mover.

Seems unlikely to me that they will build one-seat heavy rail directly to the terminal, the turning radius and the tail tracks are hard to accommodate.

I would bet that "Phase 1" Banff-Calgary-YYC service would terminate on the current rail corridor shown above to the west of Deerfoot, initially served by shuttle bus.

Then "Phase 2" will be a people mover from the heavy rail station to YYC and onwards through the airport tunnel to the blue line, to be built in combination with a one-stop Blue Line extension.

"Phase 3" would be the final western connection from the heavy rail station west to Aurora Business Park and the Green Line, once the Green Line is extended that far north.

 

[darwink]

Yeah, no.