|
Caption: The twice weekly freight off the OBRY is switching Streetsville Yard before heading back to the interchange for a northbound lift, then off to Orangeville.
So, from a news point of view, It's official: CANDO is pulling out of the OBRY - the last Credit Valley Explorer trains (under CANDO) are scheduled for February 10,11 and 17th with the final run on February 24th. All trips are sold out. Freight will end on June 30 if no operator is found, if one is found, expect a transition to occur, CANDO has offered an extension if a new operator is found and more time is required to transition services. It's also expected the Credit Valley Explorer would be re-started by a new operator. Cross your fingers, and get your shots, because nothing is guaranteed in this environment.
|
Nooooo. And I never got to ride the Credit Valley…fingers crossed.
Very Nice Shot! Why is CANDO planning to cease operations on the OBRY?
Matthew it’s a business decision by CANDO.
While I don’t know the actual reasons,I have an opinion that for all Shortline railways in Canada, the game has changed post Megantic and many shortlines in the Country are going to find themselves in precarious situations in the near future.
Liability for both passenger and freight operations continue to increase substantially, Transport Canada’s oversight and regulatory changes are unprecedented in the last 20 years – the changes even small Shortline railways have to go through are going to be very expensive and are a game changer. None of this was factored in when Shortline Railways were given their licenses, and leases/operating agreements 20 or so years ago.
The game has changed and I don’t think this will be the last change you see.
Case in point is this: One accident has the potential to put your entire operation under water for a year, financially especially for marginal railways like OBRY with about 1,000 cars/year of traffic.
Ok thank you Stephen.
I wonder if someone like Genesee & Wyoming would take the job over as they are picking up short lines round here including the Burford spur job. They are a reputable firm and what’s from sparing, or hiring, a crew for a couple days and an engine..or Ontario Southland. Lets hope.
I wish it was that simple. Ingenia bought the line (along with all maintenance costs) and contracted SOR to perform once a week switching plus maintenance of the railway. SOR simply sees it as a convenient operation to add to their existing stuff nearby and agreed to perform switching. G&W would have no interest in a one customer 2 mile long Branchline with 10 public crossings and all those signals to maintain. Costs are high, revenue is low, and potential for more customers is also low. Again, it’s all going to be a business decision. At least the OBRY shows great potential for tourist trains, I think they’ll handily attract some good operators on that basis alone, but the ball’s in OBRAG’s court now.
Lovely to know Trillium is picking up the line. But in our conversation…and I know it’s not Canadian..but RJ Corman picked up the Carolina Southern down to Myrtle Beach, a popular spot for Canadian tourists – so it could fit up here, after 3 Years of no service…having to replenish the rails and bridges.. similar to the OBRY…The line was restored to attract customers and create revenue for the area in South Carolina. Good on RJ Corman…and Good on Trillium.. Can’t wait to see their Alco’s trundling down to Streetsville.
Brad.. trillium has leased EMD power on the property also.. we’ll just have to see what they do…