Join the discussion on the following article:
Nova Scotia line abandonment delayed
Everything changed when Nova Scotia pulled the subsidy for the line. Why do they need a second review process to determine that they precipitated the situation.
It would be easier to assist the line (like all other modes) than go through this meaningless process. Its no wonder this government see no value in the line.
It is not correct to say the Nova Scotia government pulled the subsidy. In fact, G&W made it clear they weren’t interested in continued operations no matter what. The latest action by the Province should be viewed as a positive step, which may yet save this rail line.
If G&W doesn’t want it, they should find someone to sell it to. Conversely, the government and/or the users who think it’s so important should either put up or shut up
Nova Scotia is a internal matter, not an american issue… They will sort it out internally…
This line has been in decline ever since the mills and mines around Sydney closed. CN saw the future and bailed out. Now we see that even an operator as savvy as G&W can’t make a go of it (hardly a surprise given a traffic level of less than two cars a day). If the province wants to trains to keep running, it needs to step up to the plate and assume responsibility for paying all operations, maintenance and capital expenses, including a management fee for an operator. It’s going to be a whole lot more money out of the taxpayers’ pocket than the present relatively small subsidy.
G&W is not a Nova Scotia corporation, so it is not just a Nova Scotia matter. I was under the impression that the subsidy was pulled, then re-instated when G&W said they would have to quit the route. If Nova Scotia wants to preserve rail service they should buy the line and either operate it, or hire an operator. I have visited Nova Scotia several times, and rode the line to Sidney in 2001 when it was a VIA tourist run. I hope they preserve the route.
A map would help understand this story.
Now that’s a good way to get investment to the province. Why would anyone want to invest in this line now with the government changing the rules whenever they like? I doubt that any companies “depend” on the railline with less than 2 cars a day being hauled. There seems to be no shortage of stupidity in government even north of the border.