MONTREAL — Alto, the Canadian high speed rail project, has signed a contract with the Cadence consortium for development of the Toronto-Quebec City route, the companies have announced.
The agreement announced today (Friday, March 21) marks the beginning of design and development for the 300-kilometer-per-hour (186-mph) train system project. The Canadian government committed some Ca$3.9 billion ($2.74 billion U.S.) for the design and development phase in February [see “Canadian government announces plans …,” Trains News Wire, Feb. 19, 2025].
“The signing of the contract demonstrates our shared commitment to develop a high-speed rail network that will exceed Canadians’ highest expectations,” Alto CEO Martin Imbleau said in a press release.
The design and development phase will set the route, obtain environmental permits, and acquire land, enabling the cost, financial structure, and timeline for the project to be established.
The Cadence consortium includes CDPQ Infra, AtkinsRéalis, Keolis, SYSTRA Canada, Air Canada and SNCF Voyageurs.
“Our team brings unparalleled expertise in designing, building, financing, operating and maintaining complex rail projects around the world,” said Cadence General Manager Daniel Farina. We are committed to delivering a high-speed rail system that will redefine rail transportation in Canada and change the lives of millions of Canadians.”
It’s a very late project, but better late than never! On the other hand, remember that current Via Rail trains (Siemens Chargers and Venture cars) have a design top speed of 200 km/h (125 mph) but have a maximum operating speed of 160 km/h (100 mph) due to infrastructure limitations and the need to give priority to freight trains.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
Quite interesting to witness that the Cadence consortium includes both Air Canada and SNCF Voyageurs.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
Yeah but: this is supposed to be a passenger-trains only, new line.
Let me guess, the Quebec Employees Pension Fund is going to fund it.
A good start would be VIA Rail Canada choosing to run some trains
It makes sense. Alstom, Siemens and Talgo will probably compete fiercely for this new market.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün