Why not? If you won't, I will. The amount being invested in this is eye watering. We need better bus and transportation services, and if an expensive vanity project which duplicates existing services while providing a worse service is being built, it becomes a barrier to the actual improvement...

I don't know why this is a debate. Passenger rail in Canada should not exist outside the corridor. There isn't the slightest justification for it given the aforementioned issues of lack of density. The fact that groups like Transport Action Canada and the Island Corridor Foundation continue to...

This was visible from a mile away. If anything, it's a wake up call for government to not to invest in the private sector. Investing even a penny into Huron Central was an absolute farce. Just looking at the facts and volumes, it is abundantly clear that there shouldn't be a rail line between...

I think this really needs to be said more. What we are seeing in so many provinces with the restoration of rail routes that have no justification is really a step backwards no matter how some people try to spin it. The Northlander will be a costly, politically motivated mistake and will never...

I've thought about this in a previous post, but I wonder if this might present an opportunity to look into completely decoupling freight and passenger operations in the GTA. For example, with this conflict, it could be worth looking into eliminating freight traffic on the Guelph Sub entirely by...

Something I have been wondering about is the future of freight on Metrolinx corridors. Personally, with the level of service they expect GO to get up to, I don't see how freight can be accommodated in GO's long term plans. Some might say that the trains can run at night, but the window where...

https://www.nanaimobulletin.com/opinion/letter-to-the-editor-returning-tracks-is-just-an-excuse-not-to-fund-rail/?fbclid=IwAR3_MJtEaKIDRCJOuC3xQvDrZxpFOoNmdYf-fQHieF5WNvfqt2j18zgSO1g I suspect that this is indeed the truth. I find the transport minister's statements where he said he didn't want...

That portion isn't coming back either. The Halalt First Nation is beginning proceedings to get its portion of the corridor back. They plan on demolishing the RoW to improve drainage on the reserve. I think it's worth pointing out that this portion isn't particularly useful for rail either. I...

$18 million for planning and consultation isn't exactly a path towards restoring rail service. It is basically a way for both levels of government to continue to put off the decision until the condition of the corridor deteriorates to the point that makes it impossible to restore. Horgan...

Isn't the business case for Island rail tenuous at best? From what I remember, compared to the level of ridership and freight volume, the required investment is huge. Especially now that the corridor is broken up, and with First Nations being hostile to its return, I can't ever see it coming...

This is effectively abandoning the corridor north of Nanaimo. The Snaw-Naw-As First Nation has been clear that they do not want the railway back so any restoration would have to be diverted. A process which would be prohibitively expensive.

Well, surprised they said anything at all, but it is the result everyone expected. Abandonment. https://www.saanichnews.com/news/canada-b-c-announce-island-rail-corridor-lands-being-returned-to-first-nation/

Today's the day. Given that it has been complete silence from all levels of government, I don't think anyone should be holding their breath. Personally, I could see this all taking place without any sort of announcement or acknowledgement by any level of government. A few things I am wondering...

To be clear, I understand this. I am just stating that the rail ferry has a purpose. I don't believe there is any realistic case to revive the rail corridor, even for freight.

If this is the case, then why does a rail ferry still operate to Nanaimo? Do you anticipate that with the coming abandonment of the rail corridor, this will cease operations too?

https://www.cheknews.ca/first-nation-voices-opposing-en-railway-revival-growing-1143034/ This article is a few days old, but worth a post. I would really hate to see the corridor dismembered, but given the calls for land back, I think that is what will happen. But to be fair, even if it was...

The First Nations are right. There is absolutely no net positive BCR case to bring back service on this corridor. Beyond the flimsy justification, neither the federal or provincial governments have shown even the slightest bit of interest in this project. In fact the Horgan even said that he...

https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/first-nations-board-members-resign-from-island-corridor-foundation-board-6634905 I think this basically seals it. It is virtually guaranteed now that rail service will not return to Vancouver Island.

If this route is to be used, whoever will be operating the service (GO, Region of Waterloo etc) should look to getting their plans sorted. I have heard CN has lost one of their bigger customers on the Fergus Spur and is likely to abandon it soon. Personally though, I found this alignment to be...

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/espanola-paper-mill-domtar-1.6716788 If this closes down, Huron Central is done. It won't be able to recover from this loss of traffic. The announced investment would be for nothing unfortunately if this happens.