A transport advocacy group is encouraging Maritime governments to invest in the existing rail network.
Transport Action Atlantic President Ted Bartlett says there are dormant rail lines in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia that can be upgraded to help move transport traffic off highways.
“It makes more sense from an environmental and a safety point of view, it would be a good investment in public funds,” says Bartlett. “And you can’t expect the railroads to do this all on their own, because their competition is being supported by taxpayers money.”
He adds there are other benefits to shifting commercial cargo largely to rail lines, including reduced damage to highways.
“The damage that’s done to the highway network by heavy commercial trucking is astronomical,” says Bartlett. “It’s been said that one tractor trailer does more damage to the highway surface than several thousand automobiles.”
Bartlett defined the theme of the last year as “Hurry Up And Wait” because while they are getting through to provincial leaders, the political will to take action isn’t there.
