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BC Minister of Transport!

 The Honourable Blair Lekstrom (click here)

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Jeremy Watney Open Letter to Mayor Fortin, 18Apr2012; excerpts:

"Dear Mayor Fortin: I am --- disappointed with your lack of leadership in promoting a modern rail system along the Douglas Corridor and shocked when (link to) up-Island rail ---was severed"

"It is not too late to upgrade your OCP and present a complete, sustainable, integrated, green transportation system for our city."

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Rail could solve Malahat
Published: Alberni News, March 29, 2012

(p.s. see the linked issues for May o5 and April 09, 2011)
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Triumphs for network planning for public transit, not just light rail - Jerret Walker: 23 Mar 2012

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Alternative to a New JSB Bridge

A sincere appeal has been made, 18 March, by a former shipyard manager suggesting that we all rethink the need for a new bridge: the commuter connection is more important!

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Federal funding for E&N could be coming, MPs say. By Derek Spalding, Times Colonist March 14, 2012

"The number crunchers need to look beyond "ridership projections"

and consider the many other potential benefits of E&N commuter rail." - Freya Keddie
Nanaimo Daily News, 10 Mar 2012

Support for Rail Investments -  John Luton's blog  -   9 March 2012

Why Westshore Developers must pay attention to TOD

Only 3 options for getting downtown: car, boat or rail?            (Read More)

Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

found by Robert Trotter, 26 Feb 2012, in a  report by Angela Cotey, Associate Editor

PROGRESSIVE RAILROADING. April 2008. 

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However, there are skeptics; e.g.

E&N lacks a plan and a cost estimate by Pierre Valee, Times Colonist, 25 Jan 2012

with immediate rebuttal by Bob Trotter, ITO, 25 Jan 12:

Sir; For the Capital region, the E & N can provide the quickest implementation and most cost effective way of moving people from Westshore into town and to the Esquimalt base.  And it should be Transit running all day, not just rush hours.  Auto use in our city has long been at saturation.  Any added road space is immediately filled.  Rail tranist integrated with bus services relieves congestion.  North American cities that now have rail transit keep building more lines.  

(Speaking of freight), We so easily subsidize the trucking industry by providing road space for less than the cost yet think that rail should turn a profit.  For about the cost of one highway interchange ($25M) and in less than a year, the E & N line can move people past the Colwood Crawl.  The new bridge can carry loaded semi rigs and therefore can carry modern diesel powered light rail type tram-train vehicles as are used in Europe.  These vehicles (trams) operate on both heavy rail and light rail lines between downtowns and outlying communities.  

Bob Trotter, Saanich, Victoria, BC

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Great News for the Prospects of the E&N!!

ICF Founder forms group to keep eye on Island Corridor Foundation
BY JUDITH LAVOIE, TIMES COLONIST, 18 Dec 2011
Jack Peake wants to get the E&N Railway back on track.

click here for the E&N Railway Action Group

It's not too late to save the E&N! - Chris Leigh

and

Ottawa should back E&N upgrade project!
Gillian Anderson
both in Times Colonist - Thursday, December 1, 2011

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Here,  Brendan Read writes:

A letter to the BC Minister of Transport - 23 Nov 2011!

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E&N offers quick economic boost
By Errol Miller, Times Colonist, November 15, 2011

"Build the E&N now, while planning the LRT for the future."

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Malahat Solutions - November 2011

The link above offers two solutions - Rail or Bridge

Let us have your views soon so that our proposed Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) will have a comprehensive problem to deal with.  It will be at least five years before an LRT system within the core routing of Westhills-Uptown-Downtown could be in operation! Perhaps a toll on the Malahat now (?) would go a long way towards funding which ever alternate the RTA approved. Even a re-construction of the E&N line will not be a permanent fix for the congestion of TC Hwy 1 by growing populations within CRD and CVRD in the next 20 years!

You can express your views briefly using the feedback form in the left column of this page, or in a direct e-mail to islandtransformations@shaw.ca

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Mayors push for new transit line for Surrey and Langley

Let us hope that CRD Councils will act likewise, post 19 Nov 2011.

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A new Transportation Blog for your attention!

The South Fraser Transit Blog

A region in need of a common transportation authority, very much like our own CRD.  Note the significant pages devoted to explaining TOD. A transit blog worth a regular visit via bookmark, or more frequent tracking by signing-up for their mail list.

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Chamber CEO in Ottawa for national transit strategy
Times Colonist October 26, 2011

"We have done the lion's share of policy development at the Canadian and B.C. Chamber about the importance of transit and public transit and the criteria around infrastructure spending for municipal priorities," Carter said.
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E&N worth keeping despite past neglect
By Hendrik De Pagter, Times Colonist, 29 Sep 2011 (Read More)

"With climate change, fuel prices, preservation of our environment and sensible land-use policies important to all Vancouver Islanders, selling out the E&N is betraying our past and forfeiting our future."

Again, this is precisely what TMC and ITO have been advocating! 

Will the BC Government please respond!!

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Commuter-rail study is a work in progress
Pilot project only way to gauge support for up-Island rail service
By Graham Bruce, Times Colonist, 28 Sep 2011 (Read More)

"The foundation's (ICF) focus is to sustain and improve freight and passenger rail service for Vancouver Island. To that end, a $15-million rail infrastructure application was put before the federal and provincial governments in October 2010."

The Malahat Coalition and IslandTransformations.Org support that application by ICF

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LRT has worked here, and can again!
BY ARNE LISETH, TIMES COLONIST SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

He says: "I keep reading letters claiming that LRT won't work in Greater Victoria because of lack of population and density." But, just look at the Home Page and items below which identify current success stories; and note also that:

"The main lesson to learn from failed LRTs is not to go for the mega-expensive version, but to develop
gradually (as Portland did). Use the E&N to Langford with new rails, ties, and rolling stock."

We agree Arne, that line could be operational within a year!!

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Overpasses won't clear long traffic delays!
By Stephen Pierrot, Times Colonist - 14 Sep 2011

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Denver Opens Their LRT System - 15 Aug 2011

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Saanich to lobby feds and province for LRT funds -  Saanich News July 18, 2011

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News from Kitchener-Waterloo (15 June 2011)

Waterloo region votes 9-2 in favour of light rail!

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Save-the-rail plan comes under attack - Victoria News 25 May 2011

“The main issue with the E&N track relates directly to the track ties,” said Don McGregor, general manager of Southern Railway. If gifted $15 million, one quarter of all ties could be replaced, steel joints repaired and the track straightened for a smoother ride. The money would also fund an in-depth assessment of all bridges."

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Plan for the Future - Rail Now! - Pettyfer - 3 Feb 11

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Stop Funding Highways - Build Alternate Transit - Mortimore - 18 Jan 11

True Cost of Road Transport - Faulks - 13 Jan 2011

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Another example of a good transit plan confounded by BC Ministry bias and inertia!

Analysis of Fraser Valley Transit Study - Posted by John Buker(RftV) 11 Jan 2011

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Douglas Corridor Thoughts - Victoria News - 15 Dec 2010

and  Times Colonist - 17 Dec 2010

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Brennan Clarke re VICTORIA Transit Problems
—  Globe and Mail - Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010

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Victoria and Saanich approve Douglas Corridor - TC 10 Dec 2010

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LRT better than Busway - Trotter 18 Dec 10

No Busway Please! - 1 Dec 10

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The ITO letter that prompted Saanich TOD action - 1 Nov 10

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and, the Rail Valley News on Island Corridor Foundation Plans - 27 Oct 10

The E&N as Westshore Commuter "tomorrow"! - Trotter - 17 Oct 10

14 Oct 10 - 4 Victoria Gazette Letters  and Future Westshore Line - LSkaalen

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Transit Planning? What Happened? - Andrew Spray- 24 Sep 10 

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Rapid Transit with Tax Incentives - Avi Ickovitch - 15 Dec 2010

Transit NOW and for the Future - Avi Ickovitch - 15 Oct 2010

Transit for Seniors and the Handicapped - Avi Ickovitch - Sep 2010

Less Truck Traffic - Avi Ickovitch - 31 Aug 10

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No cars or buses on Government St, Victoria - 27 Aug 10

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Rail Service a Must!! - Trotter - 19 Aug 10

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Give E&N a Chance to Succeed - Mark MacDonald-Business Examiner-Aug2010

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Westshore Support for Rail on the Johnson Street Bridge - 28 July 10

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Rail service worth subsidies - Dick Faulks, TC 24 July 10

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Reducing dependence on cars and oil
Carolyn Herbert, TC - 24 Jun 10

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BC Transit Reacts Positively to Public Demand for Streetcars! - 15 Jun 10 

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Interchanges haven't eased congestion !
- LOUIS GUILBAULT, TC - 8 Jun 10

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   Mid-town Victoria  Development   -  Rob Wickson  -  29 May 10

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England's least car-dependent city!

Nottingham's investment in cycle tracks, a tram network and buses made it the top ranking city for green transport. Dan Milmo - The Guardian, Tuesday 14 September 2010 (NEW)

STREETCAR LINE IN TUCSON'S HEART IS SET TO START THIS YEAR

by Rob O ' Dell Arizona Daily Star: Thursday, February 18, 2010

Developers from the east end of downtown to the west side have touted the streetcar as the reason they plan to spend millions to try to revitalize downtown. (Another order for Oregon Iron Works; see article below.)

Welcome to United Streetcar - 1 July 2009

United Streetcar, LLC (a subsidiary of Oregon Iron Works, Inc.) and SKODA have partnered to produce modern, efficient, American-manufactured streetcars and to be a pioneering force in increasing urban transit options throughout the United States.  United Streetcar has completed manufacturing the first Buy-America compliant modern streetcar for the City of Portland, Oregon.

Arkansas trip persuades Augusta group to support trolley

After reading the story above, we hope the Victoria Transit Committee will at least visit Portland!

Calgary-Edmonton train on the slow road to approval
Link between Alberta's largest cities supported by latest report that found enough people would use the service, and the faster it is, the more riders it would have!

Katherine O'Neill Globe and Mail Tuesday, Jul. 07, 2009 07:36AM EDT  (click here for the full story)

And, get ready to attend the HSR Seminar in Red Deer - October 2009 (read more)

Then, think about similar benefits for a Victoria to Campbell River link!

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China:  Wuhan-Guangzhou High Speed Rail Line Cuts travel time from 10 hours to 3 hours

From: HighSpeedRailCanada | December 27, 2009 | 18 views

http://www.youtube.com/user/HighSpeedRailCanada#p/a/u/0/-blGN-CxPac 

350 kph - China's high speed line - Wuhan-Guangzhou

243 kph - Japan's high speed trains average 

277 kph - France's TGV 

90 - 160 kph Canada's VIA Rail average Toronto-Montreal. 

"It is time for modern high speed rail in Canada!"

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New Rail Lines Spur Urban Revival

 Many cities are inspired by the success of Denver; Charlotte, N.C.;Portland, Ore.; Salt Lake City and others in combining transit and development to revitalize downtowns and suburbs.

Government of Canada and VIA Rail announce new station for Cobourg !

Vancouver Canada Line Transit Oriented Development

Vancouver Olympic Line Now in Operation  Read Operational News Here

More videos of Olympic Line - Inside & Out!   Public Reaction Summary

And now,  June 2010,  Look at What Metrolinx Toronto is doing!

What about Victoria, BC, Canada?

Click Here for ITO presentation of cost & availability facts to the C4CR Group (when the file opens, click on the slide to advance the presentation)

i.e. In a few months, we could be ready to go on the current E&N line !!

Federal funds for E&N CRD Rail and Trail!!  and the Bridge!!

Now, it is decision time, let's get the commuter train on those rails too!!

OK, look at the Island Corridor Foundation Plans for that objective!

But, the MOT Study has flaws - Brendan Read - July 2010

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A sustainable Sydney (AU) needs bikes and trams
Clover Moore
April 17, 2009 - 12:00AM

Around the world, smart cities are remaking themselves. They are investing in sustainable public transport and creating pedestrian-friendly environments, reducing their greenhouse emissions, cleaning the air, and providing places for people to meet and congregate.

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Bordeaux: Fronting the French tramway revolution!

Article from the December 2002 edition of Tramways & Urban Transit

From 2004, trams will become the backbone of city transport, and one in two public transport users will be aboard a tram, C. J. Wansbeek reports. (see link above)

The Prime Mover- Architect   The type of trams

The Testimonies of Success: Europe  San Diego  Industry

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But, in Victoria, British Columbia?

We seem to have moved nowhere since the positive outlook of September 2003

Why?

Seven years later, Why still Rubber and not Rail?  ... Why do we think on these in the way that we do? It has taken a long time and much effort to set our mind to think that way. How did it happen?

 Because of the short term vision of most politicians at all levels !

and, the automobile/oil industry cartel !

To find out why we North Americans tend to shun rail and accept road, please find a copy of this book and read it.

  Not boring.     Eye-opening.     Shocking.     Revealing.
"A streetcar named Conspire - Hooking the World on Oil and Blacktop"
      http://www.streetcarcon.com/

Thoroughly researched over 16 years and written by a Victoria man - the book tells why and how the North American mind was set in favour of the internal combustion engine, beginning at a time when electric rail transport was highly profitable, efficient, clean and served major areas of this continent in both city and inter-city capacity.

I promise you; a new view of rail transit will come to you.

Orders can be placed directly with the author at  louis@streetcarcon.com

signed: Dick Faulks 20 May 2009

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Elevated LRT Option for Orange County, CA

Is that an option for Victoria (downtown)?  Click on the title above to read more.

Nanaimo may beat us to the punch!!

Railway Gazette News

Canadians overwhelmingly support high-speed rail

Industry Poll - Railway Gazette, 29 July 2009

Will the global economic downturn encourage railway investment to improve environmental impact and reduce climate change?

Yes : 63.3%    No : 18.3%    Maybe: 18.4%

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National Plans in the US and Canada

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Will we be prepared for these changes in urban areas?

As reported in a spate of international articles, including Time, on the former software executive, Shai Agassi, and his company, Better Place has signed deals with governments in Israel, Denmark, Australia, California, Hawaii and Canada to build a web of electric car charging and battery replacement stations.  "Momentum behind electric vehicles continues to accelerate worldwide, as Ontario conducts a comprehensive study of financial incentives for consumers who buy electric cars and other ways to speed their introduction and adoption in Canada."

Read the article which predicts that transformation on our highways and in our cities,  and check all links;

It is a fascinating story; then, consider the fact that, unless we do something soon to improve urban mass transit facilities, we will still have "cleaner" cars clogging the access and exit routes of our cities.  Surely the only change in urban planning should be the provision of parking and "Better Place" servicing at our major transit stations on the outskirts of "downtown"!  Please help us to achieve that objective for Victoria.

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Edison2 car sets new EPA fuel economy record at 350 MPGe

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Build your own upgrade of a small gasoline car to all electric?  You can do it !!  Click here to see how a Pratt & Whitney Canada technician did it!!   Now, he says:

Don't look for my car there though; I'm presently converting my batteries from lead to LiFePo4(Litihium Ion Phosphate).  I'll join that site when my autonomy will be an honest and true 60 km."

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