11 August 2009
Calling On All Potential Riders of the Rails
Salmon Arm British Columbia - I am writing an open
letter to the mayors, council members, and all the people in the towns and cities between Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Kamloops, British
Columbia.
I wrote a letter to the Canadian Pacific Railway asking this question - will the CPR ever consider reinstating passenger rail service
between Winnipeg and Kamloops?
I also wrote of an option - VIA Rail could be allowed to operate a passenger service on the existing line as they already provide
transportation three days a week on routes in the rest of Canada.
I believe either company could operate a limited service needed to move passengers between Winnipeg and Kamloops without any major
interruption to the freight service that CP Rail provides to the rest of the country.
We have not had passenger service in this area of Canada since 1991.
This plan would see an end to the isolation of the towns and cities affected with respect to passenger rail service.
It would also provide an alternate means of travel for the 1.3 million people that live in the corridor and allow all Canadians and
tourists alike to enjoy the experience of travelling through some of the most scenic and historical parts of Canada by train.
The Canadian Pacific Railway was instrumental in populating Western Canada in our formative years so I ask why this service is not
available in this the 21st century?
I believe all the communities involved would greatly benefit from a renewed passenger service.
My hope is that the people who agree will unite and speak out from the towns and cities affected and write letters to C.P. Rail, VIA
Rail, to their governments, and also organize petitions.
This would, I hope, encourage the Canadian Pacific Railway to consider their requests.
Brian Pickering.
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