To the editor,
Re: Rail costs would be sky-high, Letters, Jan. 9.
The author claims that our Island, unlike southern Ontario and the Lower Mainland, doesn’t have the population to support a rail line. I must point out however, that unlike these high-density locations, Vancouver Island has only one major transportation route running its length. This highway is rapidly becoming congested, particularly in the southern portion of the Island. With the ever-increasing traffic comes longer commutes, more delays due to accidents, and of course more pollution.
- LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Rail costs would be sky-high
Unfortunately, the letter writer neglected to cost out an alternative plan for moving people and freight up, down, and across our Island, a plan that is desperately needed. If more highways, added lanes and overpasses to existing highways, and the resulting pollution is his plan, let’s hear it. The cost to be financed by the taxpayer will be mind-blowing.
I for one think that a modern railway over the existing corridor will be invaluable now and for the next 50 years. The Island railway’s time has come, let’s get on with it.
Cam Whitlaw, Nanaimo
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