[headhorse]

there are not enough rare earth materials for parts and batteries to sustain a future of individual car ownership. rail will have to make a major return (though it has never really been foundational in the west). I think a starting network connecting the 5 biggest prairie cities with train speeds of even 250 km/h (which I don't think is considered HSR) would be start. you could do Edmonton/Calgary to Winnipeg in about 6 hours, Calgary to Edmonton in less than 2... that's more then enough to squeeze out a huge amount of air and personal vehicle travel. air traffic will also have to be shifted in the future (having to go to Calgary for flights SW of the prairies, Winnipeg for flights east) that would massively reduce emissions. as long as their is good rail connectivity, we can do it and build a much more connected and advanced society