Front Burner
Why can't Canada have fast trains?
Nov 12, 2024
Reece Martin, a transit planner and creator of the YouTube channel RMTransit, discusses Canada's ongoing struggle for high-speed rail. He delves into the successes of rail systems in countries like Japan and Spain, contrasting them with Canada's outdated infrastructure. Martin highlights the potential benefits of a Toronto-Quebec City line, while addressing the financial hurdles, historical inefficiencies, and the need for tailored solutions. With costs projected at $80 to $120 billion, he questions whether Canada can finally embrace this transformative transit vision.
25:21
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Quick takeaways
- High-speed rail can significantly improve intercity travel in Canada, encouraging spontaneous trips and enhanced connectivity between major cities.
- Canada faces systemic challenges in executing large infrastructure projects, with a history of delays and budget issues hampering high-speed rail initiatives.
Deep dives
High-Speed Rail as a Catalyst for Travel
High-speed rail significantly enhances connectivity between cities, allowing for quicker and more efficient travel. For instance, in Japan, the bullet train can transport passengers between Tokyo and Osaka, covering nearly 500 miles in just four hours. This level of accessibility encourages people to travel more frequently, enabling spontaneous trips like a dinner invitation in Montreal that can be accepted on short notice. By providing such convenient options, high-speed rail could transform the way Canadians experience intercity travel, opening up new possibilities for weekend trips or even super commuting from cities like Ottawa to Toronto.
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