SNCF Voyageur was welcomed, but the airline's move triggers concerns among rail advocates about competition, conflict of interest, and transparency of the bidding processSpeaking from a Via Rail station in Ottawa on Wednesday, Minister of Transportation Omar Alghabra said the proposed high-frequency rail corridor, which would operate between Toronto and Quebec City, could reduce travel time between Toronto and Ottawa by as much as 90 minutes.
Paul Langan welcomes SNCF Voyageur’s involvement in the Canadian project, but isn’t as happy about the airline’s participation.Air Canada’s move to join Cadence’s team at the last minute doesn’t sit so well, he said.“It sure is suspect. A direct competitor who has fought against the rails for decades,” Langan said.
If it goes ahead, it will be the biggest Canadian infrastructure and transportation project in the 60 years since the St. Lawrence Seaway was built. It will likely cost taxpayers tens of billions of dollars. Transportation lobby group Transport Action Canada , is also displeased with Air Canada joining the Cadence team belatedly and the lack of transparency about it.In a statement Wednesday, the group noted that Air Canada does have existing rail-air partnerships in Europe. “But for an airline to bid on HFR raises questions about conflict of interest, competition, and the transparency of the process.”