To the Editor,
Re: Rail service on Vancouver Island.
Rail on Vancouver Island may no longer seem viable to many people. Events of this past summer’s fire season persuaded me that an alternative route to Port Alberni is desperately needed. Not only for passenger service but for necessary freight.
Transporting logs and forest products would be cost effective for starters. However rail systems must be maintained. Too many shortsighted people have allowed this railway to disintegrate. With the cost of fuel it seems insane to haul logs around by truck. When this practice started gas was dirt cheap.
As for passenger service I am one who loves train travel, as opposed to driving. I have lost count of my cross-Canada trips, with scenery to die for, whilst sitting back to enjoy the world racing by. I would recommend the experience to everyone.
With the will and determination rail could be resuscitated. The station houses are there, the railway right-of-way is there, just waiting for some visionaries to appear.
Mariah Avraham,
Port Alberni
