Quote:
Originally Posted by Stevo26
Well, I suppose if the feds wanted to make this a reality in the name of developing (relatively) inexpensive commuter rail networks, they could always lean on CN a little to provide access.
The bigger problem is whether there would be sufficient demand to make a service like this break even at least.
This seems to be another pipe dream, like having a fast ferry running from Port Stanley to Erie, Pennsylvania.
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I think the only possibility for those tracks to be used for commuter rail would be if CN divested the tracks, for example abandonment or sale to a short-line railway (as CP has done with its subs to Tillsonburg and St. Thomas).
The lack of a proper link to the VIA station is also a problem. A new connecting track could be built of course, but it appears there's now a storage facility right on top of the old L&PS ROW near Colborne Street.
Another factor is that St. Thomas is a car city - I highly doubt St. Thomas residents would be interested in taking public transit to London, except for people who cannot drive. I don't think there's even a bus service to the city from London anymore, due to lack of demand.