We still have those dreamers that think rail service between Victoria and the mid-Island is a good idea.
These advocates can’t present the public with the costs involved in restoring the tracks and bridges, and how many passengers at what fares would be needed, because they don’t have a clue as to what those costs would be.
The costs would be in the millions and the passenger service would run at a loss. It is inconvenient getting to and from stations at both ends, using public transport in Victoria, and having restrictive departure and arrival times, etc.
Convert the rail corridor from Victoria to the western communities to rapid transit. Convert the rail corridor from Langford to Mill Bay to an alternate Malahat Highway, and from Mill Bay to Courtenay pave the rail bed between the rails with asphalt for use as a walking and bike trail.
Do not waste millions of taxpayers dollars restoring and operating the railway to the mid-Island because 99.99% of B.C. residents will not use.
Tony Markle
Parksville