Re: 鈥淭racks can鈥檛 support high-speed trains,鈥� letter, Dec. 26.
In spite of what naysayers would have the public believe, rail transportation in the U.S. has been growing 鈥渁t a rate higher than bus, subway and other public transportation modes,鈥� according to reports from the U.S. National Transit Database.
Further, 鈥渞ail can effectively contribute to urban mobility and accessibility even if it can鈥檛 reduce traffic congestion.鈥�
Currently, Island-wide travel (a one-vehicle, through trip) is possible only for those who own a driver鈥檚 licence.
For decades, Islanders have endured unkept promises from politicians of both political parties. Island-elected politicians have little power once within the province鈥檚 political 鈥渃orrals.鈥�
This fact was demonstrated vividly throughout the last election.
There鈥檚 hope, though. Nanaimo electors could elect a party that is Island-only 鈥� completely independent 鈥� and it promises to restore rail on the Island. That party is the Vancouver Island Party, a party that, if elected, would possess the balance of power in the legislature.
If Islanders like me are to realize any real transportation benefit from the provincial government, it is up to the people of Nanaimo to keep these facts in mind.
Dick Faulks
Victoria
