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Alberta’s government is taking the next step toward expanding passenger rail service across the province, committing $15 million to advance planning and begin implementing recommendations outlined in the newly completed Alberta Passenger Rail Master Plan.

The plan provides a long-term vision for passenger rail development over the next 30 years, exploring opportunities to better connect communities, airports and major economic centres throughout Alberta.

According to the province, the investment will support the next phase of planning, with initial work already underway to examine rail connections between Edmonton and Calgary’s light-rail transit systems and their international airports. The government also plans to engage with industry partners to explore financing models, business opportunities and private-sector involvement in future rail projects.

Premier Danielle Smith said major infrastructure projects require careful planning and strong partnerships.

“Major infrastructure projects don’t happen overnight. They require thoughtful planning, strong partnerships and a clear vision for the future,” Smith said in a statement. “The Passenger Rail Master Plan gives us that foundation.”

Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen noted that rail links between Alberta’s two largest cities and their airports remain a key priority for many residents.

The master plan identifies several potential projects, including a high-speed rail connection between Edmonton and Calgary via Red Deer capable of speeds exceeding 300 kilometres per hour. The proposed service would operate more than once per hour and is viewed as the backbone of the province’s long-term passenger rail vision.

Additional recommendations include higher-speed rail service between Calgary and Banff, as well as airport-express and commuter rail connections serving communities such as Airdrie, St. Albert, Edmonton International Airport and Calgary International Airport.

Airport officials welcomed the announcement, highlighting the potential economic benefits of improved transportation links.

Edmonton International Airport President and CEO Myron Keehn said a rail connection between the airport and downtown Edmonton would improve travel convenience while strengthening the region’s tourism and events sector.

Meanwhile, Calgary Airports President and CEO Chris Dinsdale said enhanced connectivity would support the continued growth of tourism, business and regional transportation networks.

Development of the Passenger Rail Master Plan involved extensive consultation with Albertans, municipalities, Indigenous communities, transportation experts and industry stakeholders. More than 20,000 Albertans participated through surveys, public forums, information sessions and open houses.

The province reported that 80 per cent of survey respondents expressed strong support for expanding passenger rail services.

Funding for the initiative is included in Budget 2026, which allocates $15 million over three years to support the first steps toward advancing passenger rail development in Alberta.

While any future rail network remains years away, the completion of the master plan represents a significant milestone in exploring how passenger rail could play a larger role in connecting Alberta’s communities and supporting economic growth in the decades ahead.

For more information about the Passenger Rail, visit the Government of Alberta website at, www.alberta.ca/passenger-rail

Information for this article was sourced from the Government of Alberta website.