The recent closure of the Malahat due to a truck accident highlights the importance of the rail connection.

Concern has been mainly  about passenger transport. We should be more concerned about freight. I suggest that there be a freight yard somewhere on the West Shore which could handle gravel, lumber, oil, gas and other goods, and that heavy trucks should have limited or no access to the Malahat Drive.

Bringing the rail bed up to freight traffic standards will be advantageous in many ways.    Freight pays its way and does not complain. Passengers do not pay their way and do complain.

Enabling the rail to be used by freight will help to subsidize the commuter (passenger) traffic and delay if not delete the need to provide expensive extra roads between Greater Victoria and the rest of the Island. Furthermore, it would also help to reduce pollution.

John Goudy

Langford