Nova Scotia looks to carry out passenger rail feasibility study

Nova Scotia has put out a call for a study on a passenger rail service.

The Government of Nova Scotia announced Tuesday it is looking for qualified consultants to carry out a study on passenger rail feasibility.

The study was identified as a key action in the province’s Regional Transportation Plan, released by Link Nova Scotia on Aug. 6.

The plan was developed to look at long-term strategies to manage transportation as the province’s population continues to grow.

“Passenger and light rail has the potential to reshape travel for Nova Scotians by providing a safe, reliable and high-capacity form of transit service,” said Public Works Minister Fred Tilley. “While a project like this could be transformative, it’s also incredibly complex. The passenger rail feasibility study will ensure that any decisions related to rail in the province are researched, evidence-based and tailored for Nova Scotians.”

A news release from the province says the study will assess potential opportunities and challenges associated with light rail transit in the municipality and passenger rail in the broader region.

The study will:

• evaluate and screen possible regional and urban corridors
• advance conceptual designs for options in the selected corridors
• provide an evidence-based evaluation of options
• include a long-term transit phasing strategy to support growth, network resiliency and strategic corridor preservation

Qualified firms can submit their response before Sept. 16.

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