A Multi-Criteria Analysis of High Speed Rail System in Canada

High-speed rail (HSR) has drawn attention worldwide as a potential solution to the transportation and mobility issues of the twenty-first century. For the past thirty years, several feasibility studies and discussions have advocated building one or more HSR systems in Canada. Quite a few studies have highlighted the benefits of HSR for Canada's economy, reducing traffic, and enhancing connectivity between cities. However, Canada's size, population density and high costs involved in construction and operation, etc. pose significant challenges to HSR implementation. This paper analyzes the feasibility of HSR in Canada using multiple criteria, such as geography, demography, financing, investment, and regulatory policies and arrives at a recommendation. The objective of this paper is to present various factors and trade-offs to gain better understanding of HSR planning in Canada, thereby adoption of a distinctive and holistic approach. This paper provides a ready-to-go and comprehensive assessment for policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers regarding HSR viability by enabling informed decision-making aiming towards potential operations of this transportation system.