Overview
- The government published the Passenger Rail Master Plan on Friday, June 5, 2026, setting a phased 30‑year vision for a province‑wide passenger rail network.
- Budget 2026 commits $15 million over three years to move from planning to early implementation work, with initial studies focused on links between Edmonton and Calgary LRT systems and their international airports.
- The plan defines service types and corridors, calling for high‑speed rail above 300 km/h between Edmonton and Calgary via Red Deer, higher‑speed service above 160 km/h between Calgary and Banff, and frequent airport‑express and commuter trains with up to 20‑minute all‑day service at key airports.
- Alberta estimates the full build‑out could cost at least $60 billion and will seek private financing and new business models; a separate $2.6‑billion private Calgary–Airport–Banff Rail proposal (CABR) has been submitted to the federal Major Projects Office and is promoted as shovel‑ready by its backers.
- No construction schedule has been set and the plan anticipates long, incremental work that will need regulatory approvals, coordination with Class 1 rail owners and Indigenous consultations, with the near‑term aim of easing airport access and supporting tourism and event growth.