Re: Province eyes end to Malahat highway delays (News, Jan. 16)
The E&N rail line is vital to the economic future of Vancouver Island as a transit corridor for commuters, freight and tourism.
The line should be upgraded to a modern electrified train or tram system, ideally running two tracks, but even a single line track could be adapted to operate several trains simultaneously. This allows for more frequent trains to operate.
Trains can carry three to four times more passengers than buses. Stations could also accommodate coffee and convenience outlets for commuters.
Sooner or later, we will be forced into resurrecting a modern rail link up Island for its economic future. The sooner we do this the better.
We must stop dithering and hopefully the current interest will give us the initiative to get it moving.
Certainly it would relieve many pressures from the Malahat and be of special benefit, especially to those who travel from up Island for medical appointments and people who commute every day to work in Victoria.
Train systems are expanding all over the world as commuters embrace a more environmentally friendly stress free way of commuting.
Robin Chown
North Saanich
