18 March 2005
Track Time Could be
Problem for VIA
Thunder Bay - CP Rail plans to
speak with VIA Rail about the latter's possible use of CP's south line to bring passenger train
service back to Thunder Bay.
The meetings stem from a Monday discussion between VIA and Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Ken
Boshcoff about restoring service to the city.
At the meeting, VIA said it would try to initiate talks with CP to work out a deal to use the south
line. CP spokesman Paul Thurston said Thursday that CP is receptive to the idea.
"We'll certainly be talking to VIA," he said. "We'll make certain they have all the
information they need."
One of CP's concerns, however, is track capacity. Thurston said increases in freight traffic in most
areas of Canada means there's not a lot of track time left on the south line.
Another concern is CN's plan to shut down the Kinghorn track subdivision, which runs from Thunder Bay
to Longlac. That closure may require CN to use CP's south line to make up for its lost freight
capacity.
Thurston said CN and CP have yet to discuss the Kinghorn matter, but CN still plans to shut down the
subdivision this year.
As for VIA, Thurston said no talks have taken place yet.
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