High Speed Rail in Alberta gets a Boost

[Ziggurat]

With no government money in, I hope I don't have to, either. I like new tech as much as the next nerd, but at the speeds being discussed, wouldn't high-speed rail be a surer bet?

Yes.

How come the long-ballyhooed high-speed rail system has yet to get off the ground between Calgary and Edmonton...

No idea about that one specifically. But HSR is generally a waste of money.

and why would Transpod have a better chance?

It wouldn't.

 

[ahhell]

With no government money in, I hope I don't have to, either. I like new tech as much as the next nerd, but at the speeds being discussed, wouldn't high-speed rail be a surer bet? How come the long-ballyhooed high-speed rail system has yet to get off the ground between Calgary and Edmonton... and why would Transpod have a better chance?

Very good questions. If there has been a long proposed rail line why hasn't it been built and why wouldn't those causes for delay not also apply to this idea?

 

[Brainster]

Went to the Transpod website. Most recent update on the Timeline is September 2020, and it's Transpod announcing that they have received authorization to develop and commercialize a ventilator.

As for the $500 million commitment, I am sure funding requires the job be "shovel-ready," with all governmental approvals and land acquisition accomplished. IOW, now comes the hardest part.

 

[Gord_in_Toronto]

The one comparison I have is with Florida's Brightline^WP railroad. Minus the vacuum, maglev, and high-speed aspects of course.

It is inter-large-city, privately funded, got built and really operates. If anything it proves that such things can be done even though the Age of the Railroad Barons is long over.