Government of Alberta and TransPod sign a MoU on development of a transportation system

The MOU facilitates the process of attracting private investment to the province, in order to build a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project. The project is estimated to create up to 38,000 jobs over 10 years, diversify Alberta’s economy, improve the efficient movement of people and goods, and reduce Alberta’s carbon emissions by up to 300,000 tonnes per year.

The MOU will see Alberta Transportation:

Support TransPod undertaking further study on the feasibility of developing its technology in Alberta

• Share available transportation data as appropriate that may assist TransPod in assessing the feasibility of its technology
• Work with TransPod officials to identify suitable land that can safely accommodate a test track
• Participate in discussions with potential large institutional investors where suitable
• No financial commitments or endorsements have been made by Alberta Transportation regarding the TransPod project.

The phases of the Alberta TransPod project are as follows:

• Short-term: feasibility study (2020-2022)
• Short-term: research and development phase (2020-2024)
• Medium-term: test track construction and high-speed tests (2022-2027)
• Long-term: construction of a full inter-city line between Edmonton and Calgary (to begin in 2025)

Ric McIver, Alberta Minister of Transportation, said:

“Alberta’s government is supporting new and exciting opportunities for job creation and innovation. By supporting TransPod’s feasibility study, Alberta Transportation will provide important information contributing to the research, development, testing, and construction of a full inter-city TransPod line between Edmonton and Calgary. We look forward to seeing this work put Alberta at the forefront of the movement of goods and people.”

The TransPod system is being developed to carry passengers and cargo between cities at over 1000 km/h. Fossil-fuel-free and fully electric, it is a new generation of ultra-high-speed ground transportation being developed for construction around the world. It is built on a proprietary and innovative design that leverages aerospace engineering and is bolstered by a global network of engineering partners. The TransPod vehicle’s top speed is faster than a jet, and it travels at ground level in a protected guideway that is immune to weather. With the convenience of a subway that departs every few minutes, TransPod will avoid airline flight diversions, travel faster than a jet, and three times as fast as a high-speed train.

The TransPod vehicle’s innovative and cost-efficient design is a new leap forward for transportation that is clean, safe, cost-efficient, and comfortable. The company is developing this technology with high safety standards in collaboration with the European Union and United States transportation committees.

Sebastien Gendron, co-founder and CEO, TransPod, said:

“Alberta’s leadership mindset and partnership with TransPod firmly places it at the cutting edge of transportation innovation. Through this strategic agreement that secures the province’s economic future without having to commit any taxpayer dollars, the Government of Alberta is investing in improving growth and quality of life in the region.”

Ryan Janzen, co-founder and CTO, TransPod, said:

“The space race’s technology led to massive spinoffs worldwide, and our vision for TransPod is to position Canada at a similar level of leadership. Future transportation comes from breakthrough innovations — and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

The TransPod system is being examined by governments and organizations for several projects around the world, and the company is currently in the design and development phase for a testing facility in France. The TransPod vehicle will also be featured in a demonstrator which will be showcased in Canada and France, to unveil new breakthroughs that are part of the 1000km/h TransPod system.