Hydrogen Passenger Pilot Project
Hydrogen Passenger Pilot Project
IRC sees the immediate benefit of operating an Alstom hydrogen-powered passenger rail pilot project on sections of the existing southern half of the Island Rail Corridor between Victoria and atop the Malahat, feeding the Malahat Skywalk attraction initially, extending passenger rail service north to Nanaimo. With the consent of the Indigenous Communities, and support from member Municipal/Regional Governments and tourism stakeholders, the private sector is willing and able to step in, invest, and assist with its operations.
This passenger pilot project can be achieved realistically within 2024 with the appropriate collaboration. The larger and more important issue is the need for our Senior Governments to work with all fourteen Indigenous Communities on which the railway exists to cede back their lands, complete with appropriate compensation.
Statement From IRC President Dave Hayden
Statement From IRC President Dave Hayden
Island Rail Corporation, along with representatives from Translink, the Nanaimo Airport Commission, the National Research Council, and Stewart Group Consulting had the pleasure and opportunity of accepting an invitation from Alstom to be introduced to their “State of the Art” technology and hydrogen-powered passenger pilot project in Quebec. Several Island Mayors and additional representatives from Island First Nations were invited to accompany IRC but unfortunately due to scheduling, were unable to attend. IRC also extended an invite to the ICF to attend but IRC did not receive a response. Experiencing and witnessing the application of this specific type of service knowing it is within the grasp of all Vancouver Island residents, along with opening the door to Tourism, was compelling. Although the scenic route taken through the heart of Quebec was exceptional, what Vancouver Island has to offer with this type of application opens the door to the benefit of everything from Environmental, Tourism, Transportation, and so much more. The door is open as we continue to work with all stakeholders on the re-establishment of Island Rail to the benefit of ALL residents on Vancouver Island.
Video courtesy of Alstom North America
Contact Island Rail Corporation
Contact Island Rail Corporation
Should you want to know more about IRC's vision for rail on Vancouver Island and the benefits we can offer Indigenous Communities and all Peoples of our growing Island community, please contact the IRC team at islandrailcorp.com/contact or [email protected] or email us to schedule a callback.