Make E&N line a dedicated bus corridor
I would like to refer to the letter of Jack Peake, Oct. 10, where he says that “rail services are the only way to go” for the E&N corridor.
First of all, Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver use rail and buses for public transportation. Quite successfully I might add. Ottawa has a dedicated bus transitway that makes it possible for the buses (and emergency vehicles) to continue at full speed even during rush hour. Buses that travel on the Transitway can cross long distances (especially outside the downtown area) without stopping for a single traffic light. Most sections of the Transitway have a speed limit of 70–90 km/h that can take you across town or out to the suburbs. No traffic lights. Dedicated bus stations with park and ride facilities.
Think of the possibilities of a dedicated bus line from Victoria to the Cowichan Valley using the E&N right-of-way. Different bus routes could exit a dedicated right-of-way to service Mill Bay, Duncan, Lake Cowichan, Chemainus, Ladysmith etc. A rail system can only do that with a transfer to a bus. A time consuming delay for commuters who are looking for a hassle free way to commute.
As per the costs. Having to finance and maintain two modes of transport, rail and bus versus bus only, I think that common sense should prevail. BC Transit already has all the infrastructure for buses — employees, equipment, and maintenance facilities etc.
Michael Butler
North Cowichan