The joint study evaluated two scenarios based on 200km/h diesel operation and 300km/h electric operation. The total cost for construction of the full route at 2009 prices are estimated at $C 18.9bn for the diesel option and $C 21.3bn for the full high-speed alternative, although the costs could be reduced to $C 9.1bn and $C 11bn respectively if the project is limited to the Montreal - Ottawa - Toronto section.
The main findings from the financial analysis for both the public and the private sector business case for the full Quebec City - Windsor line suggest that while the project could cover all operating costs, governments would need to contribute significantly to project development and receive no financial return on investment.
Furthermore, the project would only generate a positive net economic benefit to the Canadian economy if it was limited to the Montreal - Toronto stretch, although in this case both 200km/h and 300km/h options were deemed viable.
The study was carried out by EcoTrain, a consortium of Dessau; MMM Group (formerly Marshall Macklin Monaghan); German Rail subsidiary DB International; Wilbur Smith & Associates; and KPMG.