Is High-Speed Rail Good for Cities?

What possibilities and risks does high-speed rail pose for Canadian cities? On this episode of Good for Cities, host Matti Siemiatycki is joined by Yonah Freemark to unpack the pros and cons of high-speed rail in Canada. They explore how high-speed rail can improve people’s lives by cutting travel times, enhancing access to jobs and services, and boosting economic opportunities, especially for secondary cities that often benefit from stronger regional connections. At the same time, they discuss how local context poses specific challenges for proposed high-speed rail projects in Canada, including environmental conditions, ridership, and construction and operations expenses. Comparing Canada’s experience with the high ridership and economic advantages seen across China and Europe, the conversation explores why high-speed rail remains compelling yet difficult to deliver.