AMT operates an extensive network of regional commuter rail services in Montreal. Across Canada, this is the only commuter rail network that closely resembles the GO Transit operation in terms of the scale of operation, intensity of ridership and technology in use. While the majority of AMT’s services are operated by diesel powered locomotives, the “Deux Montagnes” line (the blue line on the network map) is operated by Electric Multiple Units. Electrification occurred at the same time the line was extended into downtown Montreal in 1918 and was the solution to the challenging problem of providing adequate ventilation in the then new 5.2 km Mont Royal tunnel, running 220 metres under the summit of Mont Royal.

The pink line serving the northeast region of Montreal (named Train de L’est) will open in 2010. This route traverses the Mont Royal tunnel. A new batch of dual mode locomotives that can operate under either diesel or electric power will provide motive power for the route. Elsewhere on the network, AMT plans to increase ridership capacity by 70% through the introduction of two-story passengers cars and the purchase of additional dual mode locomotives to add to existing service frequencies. While these locomotives will only operate in electric mode on the Deux Montagnes line, a study was initiated in 2009 to investigate the potential for expanding the network of electrified tracks.

Line	Deux Montagnes
System	Reseau de Trains de Banlieau
Operator	AMT
Country	Canada
Service	Commuter
Rolling Stock	EMUs
Speed/Headway	120 km/h/10-30 min
Electrification	25 kV, 60 Hz

The Province of Alberta commissioned a thorough study to examine the economic benefits of proceeding with a high speed rail corridor between Calgary and Edmonton. A part of that analysis reviewed the relative merits of employing different technologies on the line, including High Speed Diesel (200kmh), Turbine Electric (250kmh), High Speed Electric (300kmh), and Maglev (450kmh).

No regular rail service is operated on this corridor. Travellers currently face a journey of approximately 2.5 to 4 hours (downtown to downtown) by either road or air. Proponents believe the journey time on this corridor could be reduced to as little as 60 minutes with the introduction of a high speed rail line.

The study is complete and has been published. The findings were presented to the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, a Federal Parliamentary Committee which is studying the potential for high speed rail in Canada. Initiated in 2009, the Committee’s study is currently ongoing. Once complete, the Committee will make strategic recommendations to the federal government regarding future development of high speed rail in Canada.