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Federal Government Report Recommends Killing Trans-Canada Passenger Rail Service:
https://www.facebook.com/NationalDreamRenewed/
Yet another rehash of tired old attacks from anti-rail lobbyists & politicians trying to undermine VIA, an essential year-round transportation link to towns & cities across Canada that provides a valuable service to the millions of people who use it every year at a fraction of the government spending given to roads, and with the ability to serve far more city pairs than air ever could.
Fortunately the report recommends retaining the Ocean & Corridor services as well as a much needed regulatory framework protecting VIA funding.
Still, I would recommend those who support passenger rail to urge the Federal Government to throw out the ridiculous recommendation to eliminate the Federal operating grant for the “Canadian” & instead provide the necessary investment to maintain a reliable & efficient national passenger rail system.
Contact info:
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister
justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca
The Honourable Marc Garneau, Transport Minister
marc.garneau@parl.gc.ca
NDP Transportation Critic Wayne Gates
wgates-qp@ndp.on.ca
Conservative Transportation Critic Kelly Block
kelly.block@parl.gc.ca
Public Feedback for this Transport Canada report can be emailed to:
TC.CTAReport-RapportLTC.TC@tc.gc.ca
I have to admit, I could see the reduction in the “land yaught” trains. They are expensive to ride and operate. I would rather see the money put into shorter haul trains to make them more frequent. State run Amtrak train are a good model for what VIA could try (California and Illinois have good programs)
Subsidies for Air Transport: up to $1,500 per Passenger:
http://www.nunatsiaqonline.ca/archives/2008/802/80229/news/nunavik/80229_972.html
Subsidies for Marine Transport: up to $482 per Passenger:
http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Columnists/2015-02-09/article-4037768/Atlantic-Canadian-ferry-subsidies-mind-boggling/1
Cost of repairing roads: 29 billion tax dollars per year:
http://thecostofsprawl.com/report/the-costs-of-roads-and-highways.pdf
Main cause of road damage: Buses & trucks:
http://www.pavementinteractive.org/article/equivalent-single-axle-load/
Government of Canada’s solution: Cut VIA Rail’s meager budget:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/ctareview2014/CTAR_Vol1_EN.pdf
P.S. That being said, I look forward to seeing more of your excellent photographs on RP.ca, good work Steve!