Commuter rail connecting outlying towns and cities to both Calgary and Edmonton.
Intercity express connecting Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary.
There is currently a wide variety of rolling stock that can be used that is CFR compliant, that allows passenger vehicles to be used on the same Right of Way and infrastructure as freight.
Rolling Stock Estimate from the Calgary Bow Valley Mass Transit Feasibility Study 2019
Specification
ETCS level 1 (or equivalent) in a block system - In-cab signalling system superimposed on a line side fixed signalling system. Allows conventional North American freight locomotives to operate on the same track as modern, fast passenger multiple units. The block system is based on breaking a line into blocks. The block is a track section delimited by signals, whose length depends on the distance needed for a train to stop or slow down, in the worst conditions on the portion of line under consideration. In general the signalling device comprises:
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a 'go' signal (green) meaning the next block is free.
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a 'warning' signal (yellow) requiring the driver to slow the train.
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a 'stop' signal (red) requiring the train to stop.
GSM-R - A secure platform for voice and data communication. It delivers features such as group calls, voice broadcast, location-based connections, and call pre-emption in case of emergency. This will support applications such as cargo tracking, video surveillance in trains and at stations and grade crossings, and passenger information services.
Automatic Train Operation - Grade of Automation level 2, semi-automatic train operation where acceleration and stopping is automated but a driver in the cab starts the train, train speed to be controlled by the signalling system. Under Automatic Train Operation, the Transmission-Based Train Control instructs the train what to do. The computer does everything except opening and closing the doors, starting the train at every station, mending faults and dealing with passengers. If ATO fails the train can be operated in Restricted Manual mode, which means that the train operator can drive the train at 16 kph to the next station, where the train would be taken out of service.
Mobility Impaired Access - Step free access from street to train carriage, utilizing appropriately pitched ramps and elevators, and platforms flush with the train cars.
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Locomotives and passenger cars will be 49 CFR Part 238 compliant, locomotives will be powered using hydrogen fuel cells, natural gas engines, or diesel engines that meet or exceed Tier 4 standards, with a hybrid system that utilizes regenerative breaking.
Rolling stock will meet or exceed FRA and APTA structural safety specification for:
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800,000 lbs compressive end load strength
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300,000 lbs cab corner post strength
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500,000 lbs cab collision post strength
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100,000 lbs cab anti-climbing mechanism
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Side structure impact strength
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Roof structure rollover strength
Operating cost estimates taken from the Calgary Bow Valley Mass Transit Feasibility Study 2019
Utilizing modern available technology, diesel rail packs, battery packs, and associated hybrid technology (regenerative breaking) for motive power, to provide a fast, frequent, reliable, safe, and environmentally responsible transportation system in the Province of Alberta.
With the development and expansion of use of hydrogen fuel cells, alternative means of electrical generation for locomotive traction motors can be explored and utilized, enabling the development of a suitably sized hydrogen fuel cell for passenger locomotive operations. Achieving a Net-Zero transportation system.
MTU Hybrid Rail Pack
Constraints
Calgary Center - Due to the available area of the Center station, train length is restricted to 6 coaches. Therefore the power output and traction of conventional North American locomotives is not required, and smaller multiple engine locomotives can be used instead.
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Edmonton Legislature/Government Center - Due to the available area for the Legislature/Government Center station, train length is restricted to 5 coaches. Therefore the power output and traction of conventional North American locomotives is not required, and smaller multiple engine locomotives can be used instead.
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Passenger volume - Ridership in the Calgary - Edmonton corridor is likely to be in the region of 5000 per day, the majority of these are expected during rush-hour. Therefore there is likely going to be less than 600 people per train, with a Bilevel train car able to seat 162 passengers and additional standees, the most efficient consist would be a 4-car train, additional passenger cars can be added with future passenger growth. The power output and traction of conventional North American locomotives is not required, and smaller multiple engine locomotives can be used instead.
