Cambridge is the way to GO

I read with interest, Kevin Argue’s letter regarding GO train service to Cambridge, and I offer the following comments.

All day, two-way service on the existing Milton line and extending service from Milton to Cambridge does not require the same type of “track time”.

It is possible to initiate basic GO service west of Milton using existing infrastructure and integrating the trains to or from Cambridge into the existing rush hour “parade” east of Milton.

We need to bear in mind that track and signal upgrades west of Milton to Campbellville were mostly paid for by taxpayers in the 1980s, as were third track additions east of Milton.

Currently, the third track sections are often used to store seasonal empty cars, and the CP freight operation benefits from the signals on the entire line, including between Milton and Campbellville, even though no GO trains use that section.

On the basis of the foregoing, it is reasonable to expect CP to enter into discussions on the subject.

The single track from Campbellville to Cambridge limits capacity, but I would imagine CP would be pleased to have that track capacity greatly increased in the foreseeable future, using taxpayer-assisted improvements, if a basic GO service proves successful.

With regard to Metrolinx, the Minister of Transportation in this province has the authority to give direction to Metrolinx should the immediate needs of the commuting public be superseded by Metrolinx’s long-term dreams, whatever their motivation.

The minister also has an obligation to tackle Highway 401 capacity issues, which will be more immediately and effectively addressed by a Cambridge routed GO service, which parallels the 401, than by the Kitchener route far to the north.

That notion should be considered before initiating all-day service on the Kitchener route.

I worked for the CPR for 37 years in train operations, including on the route under discussion, and in Calgary head office.

I have known plenty of railway bosses, looked at all kinds of company issued photos, and more recently have read all kinds of Metrolinx documents, and I offer the following thoughts.

There were far more unimaginative and short-sighted bosses than forward thinking ones.

Unchallenged, Metrolinx may be willing to stick solely with their dreams for an electrified Kitchener corridor at the expense of Cambridge commuters.

Short-sighted “bosses” from any of the organizations have no role to play in this discussion.

Nor do planners that are content to take the easy route, pursuing a yet-to-exist market at the expense of so many already driving to Milton to board a GO train there.

CP has a new CEO that has plenty of imagination, and I have no doubt that he would love to see double track between Cambridge and Campbellville, which taxpayers helped to pay for.

That would greatly support the freight operation.

Cooperation between Metrolinx and CP could be a major win for commuters and CP.

Ron Bowman

Kitchener