Restore Sea to Sky passenger rail service: Transport Action BC

Transport Action BC, a public transportation advocacy group, has urged the  District of Squamish to support the restoration of Sea to Sky Rail Service.

Rick Jelfs of the group has written to the council seeking support for the District of Lillooet’s efforts to restore the passenger service for Sea to Sky.

The letter emphasizes the need to reintroduce passenger rail service, which was discontinued over twenty years ago. It cites the loss of intercity bus service, increasing climate extremes, and the necessity of aiding in the growth of interior communities. Additionally, the letter highlights the environmental benefits of passenger rail as an alternative to road transportation.

Jelfs calls for a comprehensive evaluation of the benefits and costs of reinstating an improved passenger train service with integrated links to various transit services and operated with modern, environmentally friendly equipment. The letter also proposes engaging the federal government to improve The Skeena passenger train and integrate fare and schedule coordination with bus operators.

Jelfs references a report by the BC Federation of Labour and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, titled “Connecting BC,” which advocates for the reinstatement of passenger rail between Vancouver and Prince George, aligning with the organization’s appeal. The letter draws attention to the successful reinstatement of Ontario’s Northlander passenger train, highlighting the possibility of reviving abandoned rail routes.

Jelfs and Transport Action BC hope to emulate this success in British Columbia and encourage the District of Squamish to review and implement the recommendations outlined in the “Connecting BC” report.

You can read the full letter here.