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Provincial transport minister pushes restoration of Vancouver Island passenger service
There are plenty of other routes in Canada who’s restoration would be more tham justified. This includes the former BCE route.
Lots to see, totem poles, flowers, towns, railroad relics, people and etc. With wife, road this route round trip…Video taped most of route TRANSFERED TO DVD…One of my favorites…
In Sept 1999 I rode a VIA 2 car Budd RDC train Victoria to Courtenay, much of the time up front with the “engineer”. The train was well filled, and several locals got on or off along ther way. Having walked some of the track near Victoria the day before, it was clear that no maintenance was being done on the track, and I wondered how soon it would be closed down. (I have built and maintained track at several operating museums) I was surprised at how well the RDCs rode. The scenery is varied and interesting, so I would like to see it avaialable to ride again.
Rode this line March 2007 the track was very rough then, I was very pleasantly surprised how well the single Budd RDC ran, very good over such poor track. It’s a very interesting line to ride good views and some amazing bridges. Best part of the trip for me was seeing the Budd come into Victoria station over the bridge with it’s bell clanging in the early morning light amazing sight
Every summer we used to take this run from Victoria. We could also see it every morning and evening from the condo we rented on the inner harbor. The highlight was always on Canada Day when (if we were lucky) she crossed the bridge just as the fireworks were going off!
By the way, whatever happened to Canada’s promise to provide service ‘in perpetuity’? Maybe it’s time for B.C. to join the USA.
David, The former BCOL route is on the mainland. The E&N is on Vancouver Island. Don’t you think the folks on Vancouver Island deserve an upgraded railroad so they could have a good alterative to driving? Keep in mind that gas prices are a lot higher in Canada. Also there’s no super highway on Vancouver Island in the costs will be much higher to build the highway than to upgrade the existing railroad.