Light rail in the Valley loomed closer recently when Via Rail, the federal government contractor supplying passenger rail to the freight lines, was turned away. Via had claimed they had rebuilt three diesel passenger coaches called Budd Cars from the early 1950s. With only five left in Canada one might think the freight company would have said yes. What Via thought was a bargain, the freight company called a white elephant. And instead of directly turning them down, they blamed poor track conditions as the reason.
We could use these cars on B.C. Southern in the Valley as they are owned by Canada to serve the travelling public. To date Via Rail has not asked B.C. Southern to use these cars in a growing market.
The bias of Via to serve mostly Ontario and Quebec has to stop. They have failed in their obligations to treat B.C. with its Terms of Union into Confederation better than the Montreal headquarters prejudice of eastern politics.
I demand equality for all Canadians and demand Via ask B.C. Southern to use these cars.
Bryan Vogler
