Canada's high-speed rail figures raise concern, columnist suggests

A column by Chris Selley reports newly discussed figures that the author describes as alarming for Canada's proposed high-speed rail, noting that VIA Rail already relies heavily on government subsidy and comparing the corridor to Boston–New York–Washington.

A column by Chris Selley questions the feasibility of Canada's planned high-speed rail. It reports newly discussed figures the author describes as alarming and notes that VIA Rail already relies heavily on government subsidy. The column frames high-speed rail as a premium service and points to the Boston–New York–Washington corridor as the most comparable example to the Toronto–Ottawa–Montreal–Quebec City route. Key points: - The column reports new figures described as alarming about Canada's proposed high-speed rail. - It states that VIA Rail currently consumes a large amount of government subsidy. - The author characterizes high-speed rail as a premium product aimed at premium passengers. - The nearest comparable corridor cited is the Boston–New York–Washington high-speed route. Summary: The column suggests these numbers raise questions about the cost and scale of the proposed project and could complicate planning and funding discussions. Undetermined at this time.