Why do we need Alto now?
More than 18 million people already live in the corridor, and that number is expected to grow to 24 million by 2041. As the population increases, so does the need for faster, more reliable, and more sustainable ways to travel between cities.
The transportation network serving the corridor was not designed for this scale of demand. Highways and airports are frequently operating at or near capacity, leading to congestion, delays, and unreliable travel times. As population and economic activity continue to expand, these issues will intensify, increasing costs for travellers and businesses and eroding productivity.
High‑speed rail addresses the corridor’s transportation needs in a way that other transport infrastructure investments cannot. It can move more people, more quickly and reliably, and with far fewer emissions than cars or planes. By shifting millions of trips off roads and out of airports, it relieves pressure on existing infrastructure while improving connectivity between major urban centres.
An essential investment
Alto’s fast, frequent, and reliable service is expected to attract up to 24 million passengers annually by 2055. This added capacity helps ensure that Canada’s transportation system can keep support growth, stimulate economic interaction across cities, and meet mobility needs over the long term.
Without this essential investment, the corridor’s existing capacity and connectivity constraints will continue to worsen, leading to longer delays, higher costs, and increasing drag on the country’s economic performance.
Alto’s benefits at a glance
A smoother intercity travel experience
Passengers will enjoy more departures, improved schedules, and shorter travel times, making rail an advantageous option to cars and planes for both business and leisure travel.
New market opportunities
High-speed rail will expand labour markets, help businesses reach customers and talent more easily, and support new economic activity across the corridor.
Reduce GHG emissions
By shifting trips from cars and planes, Alto, who will be 100% electric, will help reduce emissions (the equivalent of removing about 100,000 cars from the road annually).
Economic impact
1.1% increase in Canada’s GDP ($24.5 billion in today’s value)
Better access to services
Faster travel will improve access to education, employment, healthcare, and other essential services across the corridor.
Road decongestion
By shifting travellers to high-speed rail, road congestion in the Toronto-Québec City corridor will be reduced, and traffic flow will improve. This decongestion is valued at $570 million.
Job Creation
Over 50,000 jobs created during construction, and a further 5,000 once the network is fully operational.
Tourism Revenue
High‑speed rail is expected to generate approximately $800 million in tourism revenue each year, supporting local economies.
Development of a new expertise
Local companies will build new expertise in rail-related fields, opening the door to broader economic opportunities in the future.
Shrinking distances between cities
With fast travel times, high-speed rail will become another alternative to other modes of transportation, attracting passengers who would typically choose to drive or fly. This will reduce road congestion, lower carbon emissions, and alleviate pressure on roads and airports, resulting in a smoother intercity travel experience for everyone.
| Route | Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Toronto—Ottawa | ~2h |
| Toronto—Montréal | ~3h |
| Ottawa—Montréal | ~1h |
| Montréal—Québec City | ~1h30 |
Learn more about Alto’s benefits
Alto is more than a rail network; it’s a strategic investment in Canada’s future. With fast, frequent, and reliable service, Alto will better connect communities and support economic growth across the country. Learn more in our document “Fast Forward: Shaping Canada’s Future with a High-Speed Train”.
Learn about Alto's procurement process
The construction and operation phases will unlock major opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.