Project Profile: Calgary-Banff Passenger Rail

The Calgary-Banff Passenger Rail project is a proposed 150-kilometre sustainable rail link connecting Calgary International Airport (YYC) with the town of Banff, Alberta. The initiative aims to provide a high-frequency, mass transit solution within the existing Canadian Pacific (CP) railway corridor to reduce vehicular congestion and support regional economic development. This profile outlines the project’s technical specifications, strategic objectives, and current status as of late 2025.

Technical Specifications

The project is designed as a brownfield development, leveraging the existing Canadian Pacific Railway corridor to minimize new land acquisition and environmental disruption. The route alignment includes seven planned stations: a new build at Calgary International Airport (YYC), Downtown Calgary, Calgary Keith, Cochrane, Morley (Stoney Nakoda Nation), Canmore, and a terminal station in Banff. The service plan calls for a high-frequency express service between YYC and downtown Calgary (every 15 minutes) and up to ten daily departures along the full corridor to Banff.

The proposed rolling stock consists of modern Hydrogen Fuel Cell Multiple Units (HFCMU). This zero-emission propulsion system aligns with environmental mandates and Banff National Park’s net-zero 2035 target. The use of hydrogen power represents a significant technological advancement for passenger rail in North America, requiring specialized refueling infrastructure and maintenance protocols. The track infrastructure will require upgrades to accommodate passenger service speeds and frequencies alongside existing freight traffic, including potential sections of double-tracking and advanced signaling systems.

Key Takeaways

• Economic & Tourism Catalyst: The project is projected to generate $6.4 billion in economic value and create over 22,000 jobs, while providing reliable, car-free access to Banff National Park for an estimated 1.5 million annual foreign tourists.
• Sustainable Transit Model: By utilizing hydrogen-powered trains and shifting an estimated 25% of personal vehicle traffic from the Trans-Canada Highway, the rail link directly addresses regional carbon emission targets and traffic congestion.
• Innovative P3 Structure: The project is advanced through a Public-Private Partnership (P3) model involving private developers (Liricon/Plenary) and public financing entities like the Canada Infrastructure Bank, creating a scalable model for future Canadian infrastructure projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Calgary to Banff train be operational?

Pending a Final Investment Decision (FID) expected in 2026, construction could commence shortly thereafter. The current project timeline anticipates the rail service could become operational as early as late 2028 or early 2029.

Who is building the Calgary-Banff rail line?

The project is being developed through a public-private partnership. The private consortium is led by Liricon Capital and Plenary Americas, who are responsible for design, construction, and operation. Key public partners include the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and the Government of Alberta, who are providing financial support, investment, and regulatory oversight.