Air Canada could be getting into the train business.
Canada's biggest airline has joined the Cadence team, which has submitted a response to the request for proposals for a High Frequency Rail project in the Windsor-Quebec City corridor.
The High Frequency Rail (HFR) project proposes investing in new infrastructure to transform passenger rail service in Canada.
The new sustainable train network will run on mostly dedicated tracks at higher frequencies and speeds and will have greater reliability than currently exists between Windsor and Québec City, making travel faster and easier in Canada’s most populated areas.
"Connections with other modes of transport, such as rail or bus, are part of the solutions the company is already developing to offer the most relevant mobility option, responding sustainably to the specific needs of each of its customers," Air Canada said.
In the longer term, the airline's contribution of its expertise to the Cadence team will enable the harmonious integration of a future intercity rail network with existing airport hubs in the Quebec-Windsor corridor, which will benefit all travellers.
The project will enable accessible trains with improved operational performance to connect Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Trois-Rivières and Québec City. The HFR network will include mainly new, electrified, dedicated tracks extending over 1,000 km. Travelling speeds could eventually reach 200 km per hour.
The airline said its participation and commitments to the project do not require any supplementary disclosure, and therefore, Air Canada will not make any further comments.
