Hydrogen Passenger Pilot
Hydrogen Passenger Pilot
IRC sees immediate value in operating a hydrogen-powered passenger rail pilot using Alstom technology on sections of the existing southern half of the Island Rail Corridor. The proposed service would run between Victoria and the Malahat, connecting to the Malahat SkyWalk attraction, with a later extension north to Nanaimo. With the consent of Indigenous communities and support from municipal and regional governments, as well as tourism stakeholders, the private sector is prepared to invest in and assist with its operations.
Island Rail Corporation, together with representatives from TransLink, the Nanaimo Airport Commission, the National Research Council, and Stewart Group Consulting, accepted an invitation from Alstom to experience their state-of-the-art hydrogen-powered passenger rail pilot project in Quebec.
Several Island mayors and First Nations representatives were invited to join the visit but were unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts. An invitation was also extended to the Island Corridor Foundation, but IRC did not receive a response.
Witnessing this technology in action—and recognizing its potential application on Vancouver Island—was compelling. While the scenic Quebec route was exceptional, Vancouver Island’s landscapes and tourism assets offer even greater potential. This technology could bring significant environmental, tourism, and transportation benefits to the Island.
The opportunity is here now, and IRC will continue working with all stakeholders toward re-establishing Island Rail for the benefit of all residents of Vancouver Island.
Video courtesy of Alstom (Americas Region)
To learn more about IRC’s vision for rail on Vancouver Island—and the benefits we can offer Indigenous communities and all Islanders—contact our team at islandrailcorp.com/contact or email us at [email protected] to arrange a callback.