The latest twist in a generational project to connect some of Canada’s biggest cities could have it heading to Kingston.
A media event was held in the Limestone City yesterday to release details of a series of public feedback sessions on the ALTO high-speed rail project and also announce they will look at a plan to divert the southern route to include a stop in Kingston.
Critics of the plan, and there are many, say that this move could add 30 minutes to the trip.
I have avoided making many statements about ALTO and the high-speed rail push up to now for one simple reason – I don’t believe it’s ever going to happen.
I don’t understand the demand for it. The cost at tens of billions of dollars seems ridiculous. It won’t be fully done until at least 2040. The land acquisition is a nightmare. The benefits, in my mind, are questionable.
Adding a stop in Kingston makes even less sense.
If the main benefit is speed, you are probably adding half an hour or more to the trip between Peterborough and Ottawa.
In addition, we already have a train that goes from Kingston to Ottawa. It’s called VIA Rail. It’s already too expensive for many people and it’s underused as a result.
We should have more passenger rail service in Canada. It’s eco-friendly, gets vehicles off the highway, and can be both relaxing and more stress-free.
The way to do it isn’t to build a shiny new toy, it’s to find ways to make better use of the one you already have.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
