In a recent commentary, Chris Selley highlights alarming financial projections for Canada's proposed high-speed rail (HSR) project, emphasizing the eye-watering cost of infrastructure similar to a newly opened light-rail line in Toronto, which amounts to $684 million per kilometer. Selley estimates that a high-speed rail line linking Toronto to Quebec City could potentially cost around $600 billion, raising red flags about the project's viability.

The piece draws on a report from McGill’s public-transit lab, which surveyed approximately 7,000 residents from various cities along the proposed HSR route, namely Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montreal, Trois-Rivières, and Quebec City. Interestingly, while a majority of those surveyed expressed enthusiasm for the HSR, Selley suggests that such enthusiasm can be somewhat superficial given the project's inevitable political hurdles and the questionable cost estimates.

Ultimately, Selley casts doubt on the feasibility of the high-speed rail initiative, questioning whether the proposed investment can be justified amidst rising costs and potential political challenges. His commentary serves as a cautionary note, urging stakeholders and the public to critically evaluate the ambitious plans for high-speed rail in Canada and consider the long-term implications of such investments on public funding and transit priorities.