Smith raises idea of high-speed train from Edmonton to Calgary during Asia trip

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said during a trip to Japan that a high speed train from Edmonton to Calgary could get passengers between the two cities in less

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is touring Japan and South Korea on Monday as part of a week-long trip to Asia.

Smith says she took the Hayabusa high-speed train from Tokyo to Sapporo, which reaches speeds of 320 km/h, during the trip.

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The premier posted photos from the trip, saying if Alberta had a similar train, passengers could travel between Edmonton and Calgary in less than an hour.

The Alberta government is working on a passenger rail master plan that’s expected to be released in the summer.

The purpose of Smith’s trip to Asia is to expand the province’s energy and agriculture markets.