High speed Edmonton-Calgary train study

The idea of a high-speed rail link between Alberta's two largest centres has been revived with a $50,000 study grant from the province.

The Van Horne Institute, a Calgary based transportation think-tank, is directing the study. Peter Wallis, president of the Institute, says the study will look at things such as the potential route and the type of train technology to be used.

Calgary Alderman, Ric McIver, says while he agrees a high-speed link between Edmonton and Calgary would be useful, he has some reservations. "Well it depends on who's going to pay for it," he says. "If the feds can fund it on an on-going basis and it's going to work, that's fine.

However, McIver says a publicly funded rail-link would come into direct competition with private industry. "And I'm not sure that private industry should have to knock their heads against government-funded businesses," he says.

Wallis, of the Van Horne Institute, says an argument could be made that high-speed rail would help with the economic development of the province. He also thinks the project could be a public-private venture or even a strictly private endeavour.