British Columbia to provide C$7.5 million for E&N passenger rail

Written by jrood

The province of British Columbia is investing C$7.5 million (US$7.7 million) for the E&N Railway to help restore passenger train service on Vancouver Island. "Vancouver Island mayors have told us loud and clear that this rail service supports their economies by creating jobs, which in turn supports many families along the route," said Premier Christy Clark. "Today the Province is stepping up with C$7.5 million to help return this train service to island families and communities." Funding will be provided in two parts. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will contribute up to C$500,000 (US$515,000) for an engineering inspection on the condition of the approximately 40 rail bridges and trestles on the line. The balance of C$7 million (US$7.2 million) will help the Island Corridor Foundation repair the track and ensure that it is safe for passengers. The ICF has identified that it needs C$15 million (US$15.5 million) to complete essential repairs. The provincial funding of C$7 million is conditional upon the final bridge inspection and ICF matching the other C$7.5 million that it needs to ensure all repairs are completed and passenger train service can safely resume. "Our government has heard from the communities and the local MLAs about the importance of the E&N to families on Vancouver Island," said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Blair Lekstrom. "We're taking a balanced approach to ensure the service is viable over the long-term." The ICF will also prepare a long-term plan that describes how passenger service can reach its potential, including ways to attract more ridership. The rail operator, Southern Railway on Vancouver Island, suspended passenger train service earlier this spring when it determined the line was no longer safe and funding was not available to make repairs. Inspections identified decaying wooden rail ties, worn or loose bolts and vegetation overgrowth. Today, freight service continues with speed restrictions on the E&N railway.

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