What is the average speed of passenger trains in Canada?

Chugging Along: Why Canadian Passenger Trains Travel at a Snail’s Pace

While the iconic Canadian landscape inspires images of vast, open spaces traversed by powerful locomotives, the reality is that passenger trains in Canada move at a surprisingly slow pace. In 2022, Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) trains, despite covering enormous distances, averaged a mere 22.2 miles per hour. This slow speed raises questions about the efficiency and viability of rail travel in Canada.

Several factors contribute to this relatively slow pace:

• Vast distances and varied terrain: Canada’s geography, with its vast prairies, towering mountains, and dense forests, presents significant challenges for rail travel. Long stretches of track, coupled with challenging terrain, require slower speeds for safety and operational efficiency.
• Freight dominance: The majority of rail traffic in Canada is dedicated to freight transportation, prioritizing speed and efficiency for cargo delivery. This means passenger trains often share tracks with freight trains, leading to delays and reduced overall speed.
• Aging infrastructure: Canada’s rail infrastructure, while undergoing modernization, is still largely composed of older tracks and outdated signaling systems. These factors can limit train speeds and increase the risk of delays.
• Limited investment: Compared to other developed nations, Canada has historically invested less in passenger rail infrastructure. This lack of investment has resulted in slower speeds and outdated technology.

The slow pace of passenger trains presents challenges for the industry. Travelers face long journey times, potentially discouraging people from choosing rail as a mode of transportation. The slow speeds also contribute to higher operating costs, making it harder to compete with other modes of transport.

However, there are efforts underway to improve the situation. The Canadian government has committed to increasing investment in passenger rail infrastructure and upgrading existing lines. Initiatives like the high-speed rail project between Toronto and Quebec City aim to significantly reduce travel times and boost the attractiveness of rail travel.

Ultimately, the future of passenger trains in Canada hinges on a commitment to invest in infrastructure, prioritize passenger services, and address the challenges posed by geography and freight dominance. If Canada can overcome these hurdles, passenger trains could become a more viable and attractive option for travelers, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient transportation system.