The first phase of Canada’s proposed high-speed rail project will run between Ottawa and Montreal, federal Transport Minister Steven Mackinnon said on Friday.

The 200-kilometre stretch of the Alto High-Speed Rail corridor is only the first phase of a line that will eventually connect Toronto and Quebec City.

“The most logical option is the relatively short and straight portion of the overall route,” MacKinnon said.

“This provides an excellent opportunity for teams in both provinces to begin to develop together the expertise needed to deliver the other segments, both in Ontario and in Quebec.”

The high-speed rail network will prioritize ensuring passengers are able to get to the high-speed rail using public transit, Mackinnon said.

Construction on the first phase is expected to begin

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