Editor: I have followed with interest the development of the Roberts Bank Rail Corridor and the latest political posturing regarding the construction of overpasses and connecting roads such as the 192 Street/54 Avenue/196 Street project on the west side of 91原创 City. It appears the projects will go ahead, with the cost paid for with federal, provincial and municipal funding, plus a small amount from the railroad. Regardless of the funding source it is still mostly taxpayer funded.
The project is being sold to the taxpayer by those in authority saying it will solve our transportation problems. However, if we did not have the heavy rail running on the old BCE rail line then the problems would not exist and the taxpayer would be off the hook.
By rerouting Delta Port heavy rail traffic up the Great Northern line in Delta and on to the main double tracked CNR rail line, south of the Fraser River, we could save many millions of dollars and this would free up the old BCE line for Light Rail passenger service. This would save billions of dollars and satisfy a real transportation need.
The question that needs to be answered is, 鈥淲hy are we unable to do it right?鈥�
Our elected officials are doing what the railroads ask and the railroads are expert at having the taxpayers pick up a big part of their project costs.
For all the overpass work planned in Surrey and the 91原创s, the railroads are only paying about 20 per cent of the costs.
I did discuss this overpass work with a railroad official and he did advise that the overpass system proposed was required so that they could double track those sections and park trains so that other trains could pass. With an eventual 40 or 50 trains per day, this was essential as people would really object to them blocking roads for hours.
Further, to divert trains down the CNR line would take up to 20 minutes longer and this would cost them money. I asked why we were not building the overpasses where they were really needed: Fraser Highway, 200 Street and 91原创 Bypass. His reply was that it would cost too much money and we would have to buy land to double track.
The City has stated that they are financing their portion from gaming funds and DCCs, and are not using tax dollars. However, if they did not participate it is obvious we may get by with a zero tax increase as the funds being used could reduce taxpayer-funded projects.
Our political leaders are taking us down a road which will bankrupt us to correct. Request they change course, save us all money and provide a transportation system that works.
Eric J Bysouth
91原创
