It's official, the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway Company will cease all freight operations by the end of the year, bringing an end to 115 years of freight service to and from Victoria and 85 years of freight service to and from Port Alberni. The reason, the Pulp mill in Port Alberni is switching to truck. A very upset ENrailway
The E&N Dayliner makes its last run March 31, 2002. I suggest you get a ride on it now before its gone for good.
E&N or anyone, Is this part of the CP line still required as mandated under the agreement of BC in joining confederation, that the federal government was required to maintain rail service in BC?
I don't know, some say it is, others say it isn't. Most of the line is still owned by CPR, so CPR could be back on the island again(not a very good chance). Apparently the BC Government is involved in trying to keep the E&N operational.
My friend who lives and breathes E & N says CP and the feds fought it out in Surpreme Court and CP is not obligated to keep the track open.
Here's hoping it can be kept open. It is much easier to close a line than to re-open one. We found that to our cost here in the UK. Some lines that were closed several years ago, are now very much needed, but it is too late!
I am very suprised that BC Gov. gives two cents about keeping the line open. Oh well, at least they are helping then. I wouldn't at all be suprised if Via got the track between Victoria and Courtney, as they have been the primary user for several years (one freight a week, wow! )and they do own some track out east now, all be it not nearly as much track as we are talking about now. Tis a shame Rail America got their paws on RaiLink, as I bet they would have liked too have the E&N. Dane
