[steveintoronto]

I once witnessed a near-fistfight as a cyclist, and passengers with bags and dogs squared off to claim the bicycle rack space on a standing-room-only DMU train in Scotland.

That's a Glasgow tradition! But this allows me to post reference to how ScotRail approach this, as well as others, as it is going to have to be embraced by VIA, as it has been by GO.

Cycling is a great way to get active, stay healthy and cut the cost of getting to and from the train station.

We have cycle parking at most of our stations and continue to invest in even more cycle spaces. So why not leave the car at home and get in the saddle?

What's more, our Bike & Go cycle hire scheme has arrived at ten of our stations, and we will be introducing Cyclepoints - offering bike hire, repair and sales - at Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling.

The British Transport Police have some simple ways to help you keep your bike safe and secure.

Cycle security tips from the British Transport Police

Take your bike on the train
Cycle hire
ScotRail Cycle Rescue
[...]
Take your bike on the train
Take your bike with you for a ride in the countryside or to speed up getting home when you travel with ScotRail.

We have cycle spaces on our trains where you can store your bike completely free of charge. You'll need to reserve a cycle space on some of our routes.

Where reservations aren't available, it's on a first come first serve basis and bear in mind that commuter services usually have very limited space.

Reserving a cycle space
To make a cycle reservation:

1. Book online when you buy your train ticket
2. Call our telesales team on 0344 811 0141
3. Visit one of our staffed stations

Cycle reservations are required on services between:

Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen
Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness
Glasgow, Oban, Fort William and Mallaig
Aberdeen and Inverness
Inverness, Wick, Thurso and Kyle of Lochalsh
You can bring a fully folded bicycle on any of our trains without a reservation as long as the wheels are no more than 20 inches in diameter.

Trains without cycle spaces
Electric trains in central Scotland don't always have dedicated cycle spaces, but you can store your bike in the vestibule area as long as you regularly check it's not blocking the way. This applies to services between:

Glasgow Central, Cathcart, Neilston and Newton
Glasgow Central, Gourock and Wemyss Bay
Glasgow Central, Ayr, Ardrossan and Largs
All trains via Glasgow Central Low Level
All trains via Glasgow Queen St Low Level
Edinburgh, North Berwick and Dunbar
Glasgow Central and Paisley Canal
Glasgow Central and Edinburgh via Carstairs
Can I take other types of bikes on ScotRail's trains?
You can bring a fully folded bicycle on any of our trains as long as the wheels are no more than 20 inches in diameter. In some cases you may be asked to fold down your bike before entering the platform.

We don't allow motorbikes, mopeds or any other kind of motorised cycle. We also don't allow tandems, tricycles and non-folding cycle trailers as they take up too much space.

Getting off the train
If you’re travelling on the Glasgow to Gourock, Wemyss Bay, Ayr, Ardrossan and Largs routes, some peak trains are longer than the platform. Make sure your bike is in the right place so you get off the train in time.
[...]

https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/travel-connections/cycling

I use VIA tons to go between Oakville and London and wish there was a way to bring bikes on the train, as London has some really great cycling paths. Glad to see some progress on this.

I hope VIA's new fleet for HFR incorporates bike spaces too. Florida's Brightline has done this very well, and I would like to see VIA emulate it. With rumours of Siemens bidding to build VIA's new fleet, maybe similar designs will be used if they are selected?

It has to happen! This is now the norm in almost all other developed nations, albeit to different degrees, and the US is far ahead of us (nationally) on this, and the more progressive states are doing this as a matter of course on their latest stock, some have been doing it for some time. (California on the commuter trains, almost all BBD DD's same as Ontario models save for layout and electrics, have assigned racks for them).

The key is to also provide sufficient luggage space that passengers don't feel the need to stack suitcases in the bike rack. Cycling is great, but one bicycle takes up a relatively large proportion of the available space in a crowded rail car.

This is where it gets interesting, because it's my assertion that anyone riding a quality machine and wishing for space (reserved or not) should be prepared to compact them, and the vast amount of possible compaction is by simply removing the front wheel to allow turning the bars sideways. In the Brightline case as depicted above, I can see room for at least three, possibly four bikes fitting into that space, but they've made the assumption to grapple the bike by the front wheel....and I think that's a mistake in terms of allocating space. I'll dig more on what the latest thinking is on that, as it will also apply to GO trains, for which the present policy is sadly wanting (albeit for someone like me who can pop off the front wheel and handle the machine into the space under the stairs by the seat, it's easy).

I make a real presumption here that perhaps the younger posters could put more perspective on: My feeling is that anyone riding as expensive a machine as shown in the Brightline pic (that's about a C$3,000 machine or more) should know how to pop-off the front wheel! Car roof bike-racks require at least that, so why not in the train? If someone is unable to, then they should be charged extra for taking the space of two. And God help those who can't pop-off their front wheel to fix a flat...(albeit many of this younger gen would carry the latex cylinders that pump liquid flat fix fluid into the tube or tubular. It's the work of Satan I tell you...)
Zefal Tire Sealant - Quick Repair - YouTube

On that note, I see grotesque numbers of what were high quality machines chained up out in the Winter with parts rusting, and aging. There's a polycyclic Hell for those consumers...

 

[smallspy]

I see Brightline is designing for open racks above the seats.....that's a better design than closed compartments, which, while they may look airplane like, restrict what one can do with carryon size bags.

- Paul

Open luggage racks are not allowed on intercity trains in Canada. That's why VIA uses airline-style enclosed ones overhead, and why they have the lockable mesh on the towers at the ends of the cars.

Dan
Toronto, Ont.

 

[crs1026]

Open luggage racks are not allowed on intercity trains in Canada. That's why VIA uses airline-style enclosed ones overhead, and why they have the lockable mesh on the towers at the ends of the cars.

Dan
Toronto, Ont.

*sigh* So nice to know that we are ahead of UK, France, Italy, Germany, Norway, the USA, etc etc on this.......

- Paul

 

[steveintoronto]

Here are the TC regs, it does not mandate fully enclosed or compartmentalized sections:

27. Parcel and Luggage Racks
27.1 Overhead parcel and luggage racks on new or remanufactured cars shall be of the enclosed type or equipped with restraints.

27.2 Heavy luggage storage shall be provided with adequate restraints, and attachments of racks to the floor shall conform to the requirements defined in subsection 25.4 when fully loaded with luggage.
[...]
25.4 Securement of fixed passenger seating shall be designed to withstand a 5-g longitudinal, a 3-g lateral and vertical forces, with one 185 pounds (83.8 kg) passenger in each seat, without failure of seat attachments.

https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/railsafety/rules-tco26-356.htm#27
"or equipped with restraints". They don't even have to be rigid, just able to prevent the movement outside of the rack.

 

[muller877]

The key is to also provide sufficient luggage space that passengers don't feel the need to stack suitcases in the bike rack.
.....
I see Brightline is designing for open racks above the seats.....that's a better design than closed compartments, which, while they may look airplane like, restrict what one can do with carryon size bags.

- Paul

In Italy they have room between the seats for luggage. The added security of not leaving it in a rack out of view for someone to steal. This really doesn't even take up space. You need the room for the seat to recline anyways.

We were able to get 2 full sized suitcases in this area. And the upper racks can fit carry-on sizes

https://www.italybeyondtheobvious.com/italy-train-travel-tips

 

[SaugeenJunction]

Update on the new storage style for current VIA cars. I tweeted VIA asking if it would work for bikes and they said that the new storage configuration won't work for bikes, but that the new fleet will incorporate this. Glad to hear it.

 

[steveintoronto]

Alex: Full marks for inquiring, and I suspect there may be a 'fudge' to satisfy taking on a reasonably light, tight bike and using the space on present stock, and it's the bag most airlines now accept for transporting a bike (albeit I'd be very concerned of baggage handlers, lost a very good machine to damage at LAX years back) and as requested and used on TGV's and other rail carriers, including a nod to Muller's post of Italian trains (albeit there might be private carriers in Italy with different regs): (As always, the nominal charge in many cases to reserve a spot is very worth it, if not compulsory to make sure you can travel when you intend)

[...]
Itching to bring your bike to ride around the beautiful winding streets and paths of Italy? You’re in luck: bikes can be taken on Urban, Regional, Direct and Interregional trains with certain rules and reservations.

Transporting Bicycles on Urban and Regional Trains

You can bring a bicycle on Urban and Regional trains, on ones marked in timetables with the icon of a bike. They require a reservation and you can buy a bike ticket for about $5-$6 which is valid for 24-hours from the time of stamping. The ticket comes in two parts; one part you attach to your handlebars and the other you keep with your train ticket. You can purchase an additional second-class ticket for your bike, or you can dismantle it, put it in an appropriate bag and carry it on for free like any other piece of luggage.

Bicycles on Domestic Trains in Italy

On all Domestic trains, you can carry your bicycle for free in an appropriate case which has has to be put in the allocated spaces on the train for bike cases. It’s also possible to deposit the case at stations that provide this service free of charge for 24 hours from validating the ticket.

You will be responsible for the loading and unloading of your bike. Sometimes there are racks to secure bikes, but not always. You could bring some cords or just lay it down, and be sure to sit in the next car and keep an eye on it. And you can also take your bicycle on some International trains including routes from Milan to Geneva, Venice to Geneva and Venice or Rome to Munich with a reservation and for a fee of $15-$16.

Here is a complete list of those trains:

Train Departure Arrival Frequency
EC 32 MILANO CENTRALE GENEVE daily
EC 34 MILANO CENTRALE GENEVE daily
EC 35 GENEVE MILANO CENTRALE daily
EC 36 MILANO CENTRALE GENEVE daily
EC 37 GENEVE VENEZIA S.LUCIA daily
EC 39 GENEVE MILANO CENTRALE daily
EC 41 GENEVE MILANO CENTRALE daily
EC 42 VENEZIA S.LUCIA GENEVE daily
EC 50 MILANO CENTRALE BASEL SBB daily
EC 51 BASEL SBB MILANO CENTRALE daily
EC 52 MILANO CENTRALE BASEL SBB daily
EC 56 MILANO CENTRALE BASEL SBB daily
EC 57 BASEL SBB MILANO CENTRALE daily
EC 59 BASEL SBB MILANO CENTRALE daily
EN 236 VENEZIA S.LUCIA MUENCHEN HBF daily
EN 463/237 MUENCHEN HBF VENEZIA S.LUCIA daily
EN 234/484 ROMA TERMINI / FIRENZE / BOLOGNA MUENCHEN HBF daily
EN 485/235 MUENCHEN HBF ROMA TERMINI / FIRENZE / BOLOGNA daily
Taking Bicycles on the High-Speed Frecciarossa, Frecciargento or Frecciabianca Trains

Bicycle reservation tickets for these trains can be purchased at the train station customer service desk. On these trains, bicycles cannot be carried on, they must be partially dismantled and put in a bicycle bag as luggage. If you don’t bring your own, bike bags can be purchased in the larger stations like Roma Termini or Milano Centrale, plus you can store your empty bag for free in participating stations for a period of 24 hours following the validating of your ticket. If you are transporting a bicycle, it’s best not to travel during rush hour when the trains will be crowded, making hauling your bike around cumbersome.

https://www.italiarail.com/bicycles

That's pretty sensible policy, all things considered. With a few more inquiries to VIA, and finding a light enough bag for my bike (they're not cheap, about $200 last time I looked into this) I'd still consider the investment into a bag if VIA accept that as carry-on (there's no freakin' way I'd check it in) and the bike can be stored in the space now extant on-board present coach stock. The bag satisfies all concerned until proper facilities are installed, it offers protection (albeit within limits) and prevents grease marks on adjacent baggage and equipment.

Taking a bike on TGV High Speed Trains France SNCF March 26 2014

SNCF TGV High Speed train Gare de Lyon Paris

Many people like to travel to France with their bike and why not, it is of course a fabulous country for cycling, quieter roads, more space and great scenery a real cycling country.

In simple terms all trains on the SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer français) will accept bikes on trains as long as they are dismantled and in a bag no larger than 120cm x 90cm. Some routes will accept fully assembled bikes but it is best to check with your specific routes. The same applies to the TGV and Intercités trains as well as Thalys trains.

The TGV high speed train network covers much of France and is relatively bike friendly as you would expect with the volume of bicycle tourism that the country attracts.The TGV trains are super fast and can whisk you from Paris to Lyon in just two hours, and Bordeaux, Marseille or Grenoble to the French capital in around three hours.

Bikes can be carried on as hand luggage, free of charge and stowed on the luggage racks within the carriages as long as the bike is in a bag with maximum dimensions of 120 cm x 90 cm. Full size bikes unpacked can be accommodated but need to be booked in advance and may not travel in the carriage with you. Failure to comply with these regulations can involve an on the spot fine which can make a hole in your holiday budget.

Fully assembled bikes

Many TGV and Intercités (including night trains) have space for assembled and unbagged bikes but you may require a reservation. If the route you are on does require a reservation there is normally a €10 surcharge which you pay and book with your ticket. You can book this in person at any SNCF ticket office, there are some useful links at the end of this article.

Published timetables (print and online) show a bike symbol against services that can accommodate unbagged bikes. Check with station staff to see what carriage you should load your bike into and where on the platform you should wait.

Night Trains

Night trains do require a reservation, you will need a reserved seat AND a reservation for your bike and this needs to be booked in advance and your bike will most likely travel in a separate carriage.

Local Trains

There is an excellent network of local trains that links up smaller towns and villages, these will take bikes providing there is space available. Please note some restrictions apply at peak times and holidays, please check in advance if in doubt.

Possible Problems

Despite following all the regulations and having the correct booking you can sometimes run into problems with the inspector on the trains. Make sure you retain all the booking paperwork and tickets for inspection. If in the unlikely event the inspector does issue an on the spot fine you should be able to reclaim this if you have the correct booking and the inspector is incorrect - as in most situations politeness and a smile go a long way.

Duffbag Stealth bag 120cm x 90cm soft bike bag - ideal for train travel in France

Our duffbag Stealth soft bike bag is 120cm x 90cm and has been successfully used on many journeys on the TGV High Speed Train network with SNCF France. The big advantage with a Stealth bike bag is the light weight, (under 2kg) together with the ability to fold down really small to stash in a support vehicle or pannier which makes negotiating the TGV High Speed train network in France with a road bike, mountain bike or touring bike that much easier.

Traveling with your bike using the TGV High Speed train network in France with your bicycle in a bike bag is a great way to explore France and beyond, with the Alps, Pyrenees and the Tour de France a very popular cycle touring destination as well as the beautiful coastal and central regions.

http://duffbag.myshopify.com/blogs/news/13138145-taking-a-bike-on-tgv-high-speed-trains-france-sncf

Much more here:
https://en.voyages-sncf.com/en/train-services/bicycle-on-board

Time to disassemble and re-assemble a quality machine with quick-release wheels and in and out of a carry-bag? Fifteen minutes approx. with both wheels off, few minutes if just the front wheel.

 

[SamStar]

As a side question, do you play Sam? Curious to know how you ended up reading that in a musician's mag.

Unfortunately I do not play any music instrument. I created a google alert with "via rail" ; it sends me every day the latest news pertaining to VIA. I recommend it to any VIA enthusiast!

 

[steveintoronto]

We haven't heard that much more about VIA's Halifax commuter proposal, hopefully we will soon, and which stock they will use remains a good question too, but even though the following wouldn't meet TC regs, with a waiver for the line during daylight operation, Halifax/VIA might be in a position to consider this, as might other smaller cities: (And commuter agencies like GO)

'Revolution VLR' Project
'Revolution VLR' is a consortium of UK companies, led by TDI, which is dedicated to the development of next generation, 'very light rail' technology. A key aim of the project is to facilitate low cost connectivity of regional and rural areas. TDI, who is already leading the field in the design of lighter, light rail vehicles, believes that such an approach is fundamental to the provision of integrated and sustainable, short range public transport systems both now and in the future.

In November 2013, the Consortium was successful in winning financial support from EIT (the RSSB Future Railway Enabling Innovation Team funded by the DfT) for developing a unique self-powered bogie with an integral, hybrid propulsion and kinetic energy recovery system. It utilises off-the-shelf, commercial vehicle componentry where practical to reduce overall manufacturing cost and improve reliability and maintainability.

In parallel with the bogie design, the team will also evaluate the application of existing, essentially ‘heavy rail’, safety standards to very light railcars and produce a discussion paper for consideration by RSSB and other stakeholders in the 'Future Railway' programme.

TDI is supported by WMG (University of Warwick) who have pioneering experience in the light-weighting of automotive body structures for OEMs such as Jaguar Land Rover; Unipart Rail who have one of the largest bogie overhaul centres in Europe and are industry leaders in management of the rolling stock supply chain and Prose AG who are a specialist bogie engineering company. Key technology providers include: Cummins, Magnomatics, Magtec and Unipart Powertrain Applications.

Following a demonstration of the bogie technology in the laboratory early in 2016, the next phase of the project will involve installing one prototype bogie under a light weight railcar for extensive track-based trials. Called 'Revolution' this will be a next generation version of the 'ULR Express' railcar developed originally by TDI and Severn Lamb.

It is expected to start manufacture of the Revolution demonstration vehicle in 2017 through a special purpose company called VLR Technologies Ltd.

http://www.tdi.uk.com/EN/revolution-vlr-consortium/
More pics and technical discussion at link above and:
http://www.railway-technology.com/p...l-vlr-innovation-centre-and-rail-line-dudley/

On the bogie, a huge design breakthrough that this project is based around:

http://www.tdi.uk.com/uploads/52932886B99A8.pdf

The new technology could see some of 5,000 miles of disused track opened again after it was originally closed in Dr Richard Beeching's review in the 1960s, when he was chairman of British Railways.

According to The Times, rail bosses say the trains will be manufactured at 'half the cost' of an existing carriage and be smaller than a standard bus.

The project is set to be funded by both the Department for Transport and the Rail Safety and Standards Board, with the new trains also said to cause less damage to tracks.

It is believed the trains will be constructed out of a mixture of aluminium, steel and carbon fibre and be around 60ft long, although they could be reduced to just 30ft long.

They will weigh around 28tonnes compared to the 50tonne weight of a normal carriage when full.

The Times claims the trains will be powered by 3.8-litre diesel-hybrid engines and reach speeds of between 50mph-70mph. They will cost around £500,000 each, which is half the price of a regular diesel train.[...]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4215586/New-no-frills-trains-open-little-used-lines.html

 

[dowlingm]

When I see "automotive industry gets involved in rail", I think "here we go, more railbuses..."

 

[steveintoronto]

When I see "automotive industry gets involved in rail", I think "here we go, more railbuses..."

For the UK especially, that's a concern* (see note at end)....but it's reactionary thinking. How are "railcars" any different than LRVs? These will inevitably be able to be coupled into MUs. Or is it the automotive background that concerns you most?

Almost half of North America's diesel locomotives are derived from General Motors or former GM companies. What's your reaction to that? If this company, which is far from being just "automotive industry" based has a winning product, then why not? The self-powered unit bogie alone is enough to radically change the way railcars are built. It would also allow the re-purposing of retired subway cars for branch lines granted waivers from FRA regs. Whether or not that is applicable in Canada is separate question, it would be in parts of the US and Europe.

Here's the brake shoe on the other foot:

Company History:
The Budd Company is the leading automotive stamping manufacturer and one of the top automotive suppliers in the United States. With over 20 manufacturing and assembly facilities, Budd produces components for approximately half of the passenger cars and trucks made in North America. Widely acknowledged as a pioneer in the field of transportation, Budd has contributed many industry advancements, particularly in materials technology for automobile and rail car design. For over eight decades, the company has successfully weathered the numerous fluctuations of the transportation industry by alternately diversifying and consolidating its operations to capitalize on market trends. Budd's tenacity and innovative spirit are reflected in the company's slogan "Budd On the Move."

http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/the-budd-company-history/

Ring any train bells?

The trains will be lightweight, cheap and typically 18 metres long, although some could be smaller than a bus

A new generation of “no-frills” trains is being manufactured under plans to open up little-used branch lines closed by Dr Beeching in the 1960s.

Ultra-cheap trains powered by truck engines, built using lightweight materials and running at low speeds, may be introduced within the next two years as part of a £4 million trial.

The trains, which could be shorter than a conventional bus, will be manufactured at half the cost of an existing carriage and cause less damage to tracks.

Rail chiefs insisted that reducing overheads would make it easier to maintain loss-making branch lines on which passenger numbers are low.[...]

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/n...-reopening-lines-that-beeching-shut-qtcwpbrzh

*note:

Pacer is the operational name of the British Rail Classes 140, 141, 142, 143 and 144 diesel multiple unit railbuses, built between 1980 and 1987. Intended as a short-term solution to a shortage of rolling stock (with a lifespan of no more than 20 years), as of 2016 many Pacer railbuses are still in use.[1]

The Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations require that all public passenger trains must be accessible to disabled people by 2020. Only one Pacer (the modernised 144e) currently meets this requirement, and the remainder will therefore need to be withdrawn by that date unless they receive an extensive refurbishment. Porterbrook, which owns the Class 143 and Class 144 fleets, has proposed such a refurbishment for the rest of the fleet,[2] while Angel Trains, which owns the Class 142 fleet, does not see such a refurbishment as a viable option.[3]

The Pacer series were built with low construction and running costs in mind, and so all of the Pacer units feature the following:[4]

• The use of a lightweight modified bus body, and other bus components and fittings, such as bus-style seating. The Pacers use a modified bus body with a reinforced cab area, in order to comply with crashworthiness standards.
• Each carriage has four wheels on a fixed long-wheelbase, rather than the more usual arrangement of eight wheels attached to bogies. This arrangement has been criticised for causing loud noise and excessive wear to the wheels and track when going around tight curves in the track.

Background
Main article: British Rail railbuses
The 'Pacer' series was a project by British Rail (BR) to create a train, with low running costs, for use on rural and suburban rail services.[5] At the time, BR was under increasing financial pressure from the government including proposals to cut more rail lines. BR set a challenge to several companies to design a cheap, lightweight train similar to railbuses. Since then, 165 Pacer trains (totalling 340 carriages) have been built, with some over 30 years old by 2015.
[...]
(Note: All of these shortcomings are addressed, and more, with the latest concept- steveintoronto)
Disadvantages
Although the Pacer is economical, there are limitations to using bus parts for railway use. Instead of the more usual bogies, Pacers use a basic four-wheel two-axle configuration. The lack of articulation can result in a rough ride, especially over points and around tight curves. Other performance problems include poor acceleration and poor reliability for some units.[5] On a section of line between Northwich and Greenbank in Cheshire the speed limit is 20 mph (32 km/h) but could be raised to 50 mph (80 km/h) if Pacers were banned from the line. The basic bus bench seating can also be uncomfortable, whilst the suspension has given rise to the nickname "nodding donkeys" due to the up and down motion on uneven track.[9] The inward-opening doors similar to those found on buses can be unreliable, and the two-step entrance can make loading slower and harder for elderly people and wheelchair users. [...]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacer_(train)

 

[SaugeenJunction]

Rendering showing future Don Valley park improvments, including a pedestrian bridge near the Brickworks beside the rail bridge that VIA HFR will presumably run on. I don't think this rendering is "new" but I thought I'd post it here anyways.

Edit: If this even means anything, Toronto Parks, Forestry, and Recreation liked a Tweet I sent out discussing VIA HFR and this bridge.

(source)

 

[steveintoronto]

Rendering showing future Don Valley park improvments, including a pedestrian bridge near the Brickworks beside the rail bridge that VIA HFR will presumably run on. I don't think this rendering is "new" but I thought I'd post it here anyways.

It's a bit surreal, since the initial idea was to presume the ex-CP bridge was available to turn into a pedestrian bridge, and now that has proven to be false (duh....why would Metrolinx buy it and improve the RoW if they didn't plan to use it?) they keep the fantasy alive by presupposing building a multi-million dollar bridge is the answer.

Still, no more out there than the RailDeckPark. What's a few $Billion when you're rolling in the cash?

 

[robmausser]

Its been a year now, any updates on this?

http://www.theobserver.ca/2016/02/24/discussions-underway-between-via-and-freight-rail-companies

 

[steveintoronto]

Its been a year now, any updates on this?

http://www.theobserver.ca/2016/02/24/discussions-underway-between-via-and-freight-rail-companies

It's a very good question, and not just on the Sarnia services.

It's an indirect reply to your particular query, but one of the most encouraging signs for this and other pending projects was this:

Majority of Canadians okay with Liberal deficits: survey

A majority of Canadians are supportive of the Liberal government’s approach to running deficits, even though Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has faced months of criticism from Conservatives for abandoning a promise to balance the books.

A new survey by Nanos Research for the Globe and Mail found 52 per cent of those surveyed supported the view that Ottawa should continue to run deficits as long as the size of the federal debt is declining in relation to the size of the economy, which is the government’s current view.

In contrast, 39 per cent agreed with the alternative position that the government should do what it takes to balance the budget before the next election. [...]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news...with-liberal-deficits-survey/article34219911/

I didn't see mention of this poll outside of the G&M, albeit it must have been in the back pages elsewhere. It's a shame it didn't get more coverage, but time is on the side of VIA's plans, and the Missing Link, and other *absolutely necessary* infrastructure projects. I think the Fed Libs, rightly so, became very sensitized to how the deficit issue, let alone debt, could poison their enduring popularity with the hoi-polloi. Evidently it hasn't, contrary to the hysteria in the NatPost, TorStun, etc.

This is a very good sign, albeit I'd be interested to hear other reader's views on this. The FedLibs have also been criticized by some for not moving fast enough. It's a touchy balance, for good reasons. But again, now polls have shown this, look for a number of more assertive announcements of commitment from the FedLibs.