19 October 2004 CN, CPR Move to Improve Port of Vancouver Efficiency CN and Canadian Pacific Railway has announced a series of co-production agreements to make rail operations more efficient for Port of Vancouver freight traffic.   The agreements jointly increase capacity on key sections of track in the Vancouver area to improve the fluidity of rail operations over existing infrastructure at what is Canada's largest, busiest and most diversified port.   The co-production agreements provide: improved access for CPR to intermodal facilities at Fraser Surrey Docks using a shorter route over CN's main line; reciprocal access to the North and South shores, with CPR potash trains having direct access to Neptune Terminals and CN sulphur trains having direct access to Pacific Coast Terminals; the option for CPR to operate longer, heavier trains to Vancouver's North Shore under existing access agreements; a reciprocal interchange at CN's Thornton Yard and CPR's Coquitlam Yard that replaces a less efficient interchange arrangement and; further interchange enhancements for North Shore freight traffic that include BC Rail traffic. Jim Foote, CN's executive vice-president, sales and marketing, said: "This is a remarkable example of two highly competitive railways cooperating to solve a pressing demand for more efficient rail operations for shippers brought about by a rapid expansion in North American trade. The co-production agreements will leverage CN's and CPR's highly successful directional running zone through the Fraser Canyon and will provide better service levels through improved train operations to the Port of Vancouver."   Fred Green, CPR's executive vice-president, operations and marketing, said: "These agreements demonstrate the commitment by CPR and CN to provide the level of service and efficiency that will help shippers take advantage of the significant growth in trade with Pacific Rim nations, strengthen Canada's vital import-export economy, and bolster the competitiveness of our key British Columbia port. By working cooperatively to make rail service more efficient, we will also improve network and equipment utilization and increase productivity on existing infrastructure."