Governments often can’t see much beyond their own noses, let alone the end of an electoral cycle.

With that in mind, Alberta deserves much praise for coming up with a generational plan to restore passenger rail service to a place that hasn’t seen a daily transcontinental train in 36 years or meaningful intercity rail service within the province in 41 years.

Last week, the government reiterated its commitment to the cause with a reminder of the $15 million allocated in its 2026 budget for the initial steps to revive trains between Calgary and Edmonton, with connections to their respective international airports.

Also planned are rail services linking those cities with their surrounding communities.

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This will serve as a backbone for further rail services to other large centres and major tourist destinations such as Banff National Park.

These ambitious goals don’t have ambitious timelines to match, however, as things are expected to come together in 30 to 60 years.

Many of us will not be around to see or experience the result. This doesn’t mean it shouldn’t happen. Rather,........

© Calgary Herald