Canadian government pledges billions for high-speed rail network linking Quebec City and Toronto WSOC TV [Video]

MONTREAL — (AP) — The Canadian government said Wednesday it is moving ahead with a multibillion-dollar plan to build a high-speed rail network between Quebec City and Toronto.

The planned rail network will be 100% electric, span approximately 1,000 kilometers, (622 miles) and reach speeds of up to 300 kph (187 mph). There will be stations in Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, Trois-Rivières and Quebec City.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a news conference the government will commit CDN$3.9 billion (US$2.74 billion) over six years, starting in the 2024-25 fiscal year, to iron out specifics, including where the stations will be located in each city and the trajectory of the network, before construction can begin.

Officials say it’s too soon to estimate the final cost of the project or when it will be completed.

“A reliable, efficient high-speed rail network will be a game changer for Canadians,” said Trudeau.

The new rail system, which …