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.
Statement From Dave Hayden
Statement From Dave Hayden
IRC, together with representatives from TransLink, the Nanaimo Airport Commission, the National Research Council, and Stewart Group Consulting, accepted an invitation from Alstom to experience its state-of-the-art hydrogen-powered passenger rail pilot project in Quebec. Several Island mayors and First Nations representatives were subsequently invited by IRC, and a response was not received from the Island Corridor Foundation.
The demonstration highlighted the strong suitability of hydrogen-powered passenger rail for Vancouver Island, where the geography, tourism assets, and community-connected corridor offer even greater potential than the Quebec route. This technology promises meaningful environmental, tourism, and transportation benefits.
IRC will continue working in partnership with Indigenous Nations, all levels of government, and the private sector to advance the return of modern rail service for the benefit of all Island residents and communities.
Video courtesy of Alstom (Americas Region)
Contact Island Rail Corporation
Contact Island Rail Corporation
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 contact@islandrailcorp.com to arrange a callback.