We must reduce our CO emissions2. So take the train more often, which is much less polluting than the car and the plane.
But here it is: Canada is the only G7 country without a high-speed train (TGV) and does not have an efficient rail transport network.
It’s not complicated: if we want to convince Canadians to change their habits and adopt the train, we have to build a TGV between Quebec and Toronto that travels at a maximum speed approaching 300 km/h. We would do Montreal-Quebec in 1 h 13 min, Montreal-Toronto in 2 h 18 min Imagine the gains in productivity, for the quality of life, the environment…
In the summer of 2021, the Trudeau government decided to modernize our passenger train network in the most populous corridor in the country, Quebec City-Toronto. We will finally (!) build railways reserved exclusively for passenger transport.
Unfortunately, Ottawa made the wrong choice: a high-frequency train with an average speed of 120 km/h and a maximum speed of 200 km/h. Currently, VIA Rail trains travel at an average speed of between 80 and 100 km/h.
What is the exact cost of this high frequency train project? The Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra, has already spoken of 6 to 12 billion, but this figure would no longer hold (it would be too low). In short, we don’t know.
This situation is completely surreal: the largest transportation infrastructure project in Canada is currently moving forward in an astonishing climate of discretion, with virtually no public debate, and we don’t even have an up-to-date estimate of the cost!
In 2021, Ottawa said it had ruled out the scenario of a TGV because of its too high cost, which its officials estimated at 65 billion.
We would like to know what the person who made this calculation puts in his coffee in the morning.
In 2011, the federal government, Quebec and Ontario published a long study on a TGV Quebec-Windsor. They evaluated two options: a high-frequency train at 200 km/h and a TGV at 300 km/h. The TGF cost 25 billion (in 2022 dollars, including inflation) and the TGV, 28 billion. The difference between the two projects was only 12%.
This is logical: according to experts, from 160 km/h, separate and unique railway lines must be built for these trains for safety reasons. Whether the train goes at 170 km/h or 300 km/h, it increases the final bill a little (12% according to the 2011 report, between 20% and 25% according to other experts), but it does not not double or triple.
We summarize: for 25 billion, you have a Quebec-Toronto train which goes on average at 120 km/h, but which does not really improve travel time. This train would make Montreal-Quebec in three hours, the same time as by car. In short, it will not change much.
The 2011 study had also concluded that a Toronto-Quebec train with a maximum speed of 200 km/h would bring net economic losses considering the level of public investment, while a TGV would bring net economic benefits.
If you add 12% more, you have a TGV that will revolutionize passenger transport on the most populous route in the country and reduce our CO2 emissions.2.
The right choice is obvious. It’s the TGV.
The good news: it’s not too late for Ottawa to change its mind.
This is perhaps precisely what Ottawa is doing, without saying it too loudly. After soliciting comments from the private sector, Ottawa changed a project criterion last fall: it now envisages that the TGF go at more than 200 km / h on certain parts of the route, and asks companies to submit proposals. in this sense.
Does this mean that the TGF will turn into the TGV? Ottawa avoids the question. In 2023, the federal government will continue its bidding process to determine the details of its project.
We feel like shouting to the Trudeau government: wake up!
A TGV Toronto-Quebec offers winning conditions economically, geographically (there are no mountains to cross) and environmentally. There is also no reason to be afraid of the rigors of the Canadian winter. There are high-speed trains in winter in Russia, Japan and the United States (the Acela departs from Boston).
Do you think that a TGV is too expensive at 28 billion? Tell yourself that we would disburse this amount over seven years, the duration of the construction. In seven years, the Government of Quebec will spend 21.5 billion to renovate and build roads for cars.
A TGV is not too expensive. It’s just a matter of priorities.
Learn more
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- 50 times
- In France, the TGV is on average 50 times less polluting than the car (CO2), and 80 times less polluting than the plane.
SOURCES: TF1, SNCF
- 10.6 million people
- Population of the metropolitan areas of Montreal (4.2 million) and Toronto (6.4 million). In France, the TGV between Lyon (2.3 million) and Marseille (1.8 million) is a success.
SOURCES: TF1, SNCF