Editor:
Re: Train-stop advice ‘counter to our goal,’ April 14.
Earlier this month, a White Rock councillor nixed one of the train-related revitalization suggestions by the city economic investment committee, on the basis that the idea was counter to the policy of trying to move the current track inland.
However, I think the main impetus for wanting to move the track inland was to get rid of the coal trains.
The reality is that if a passenger route to downtown became popular – partly as a result of the revitalization – then Amtrak or its BNSF equivalent would likely be encouraged to move its separate commercial route inland anyway.
The other important thing is that White Rock lost its direct bus route to downtown Vancouver about two years ago. Having a passenger stop on the existing railway would allow White Rock and South Surrey dwellers to get to downtown Vancouver in less time – one hour by train instead of 1½ hours by car, at least during the week.
Focusing on the northern connection instead of the U.S. connection from White Rock might also be a way of alleviating an earlier hurdle of customs issues. If Blaine people wanted to use the White Rock station, they would need to use the regular border customs to get here.
For Canadians using the track to travel south, they would be better off to motor down to Bellingham, since parking in Fairhaven is free within about three blocks of Amtrak there.
With regard to extra parking on Marine Drive, it seems that issue will need to be addressed whether we have a passenger train connection or not.
Richard Acton, White Rock