A map of the Edmonton/Calgary line that still runs but only marginally so which is why CP has been more than happy to keep talking HSR along this rail corridor. I personally still believe the best solution is to upgrade this existing line for 200-240 km/h service with 2 tracks non-electrified which would be the cheapest HSR option, but would also allow for 160 km/h cargo trains which would satisfy the need to still make some $$ from other sources.
Bombardier in Europe has now released a Battery electric HSR train as of this year which will allow 200 km/h service for up to 50 km without overhead wires and then fast recharge times of only 10 minutes. So even if only PARTS of the line were powered (say the commuter belts around Edmonton, Calgary and maybe Red Deer) then other sections wouldn't need to be saving major upfront costs while allowing true HSR service...
There are fewer and fewer reasons preventing the creation of SOME sort of HSR system in Alberta and British Columbia if you ask me both technologically and economically granted that both are growing at rates unprecedented in the nation in terms of population AND economic growth.
So much for the theory that progressive politics and solid economies don't mix...
