Re: 鈥淎ttack on rail group was disrespectful,鈥� letter, Dec. 15.
Wilfrid Worland鈥檚 commentary was professional and based on facts.
The success of railways depends on three factors: intensity of use, quality of service and safety. Freight utilization is a necessary component of cost-effectiveness for any railway.
Larry Stevenson, the CEO of the Island Corridor Foundation, has a dream of bringing freight trains to Port Alberni to ship coal and freight back down the island to Nanaimo to be put on a barge to the Mainland. Studies show the existing tracks on Vancouver Island will never support high-speed passenger or freight trains due to the topography and number of crossings and trestles. The cost for such a dream is billions of dollars.
We cannot count on rail to increase efficiency and reduce highway traffic, but some consolation can be found in the rapid improvements in electrification and the prospect of self-driving vehicles. Diesel-dependent slow-speed trains serving low populations are just not a viable or environmental option for Vancouver Island.
Susan Blacklin
Qualicum Beach
