While I agree we need to eventually do that, the cost of updating the track (and particularly the bridges) for the whole route is making it expensive. Just get the langford to downtown portion up and running to prove (like it needs proving) the concept. Once it is operational then it can be expanded upon in sections, go to Duncan, cowichan valley, etc and move up island. The priority should be alleviating the colwood crawl.
While I agree we need to eventually do that, the cost of updating the track (and particularly the bridges) for the whole route is making it expensive. Just get the langford to downtown portion up and running to prove (like it needs proving) the concept. Once it is operational then it can be expanded upon in sections, go to Duncan, cowichan valley, etc and move up island. The priority should be alleviating the colwood crawl.
We also got to put in back the tracks for the Sooke line to reduce their massive commute times to Victoria.
Yes, exactly. Focus on commuting sections first, then open it up further for leisure travel and freight.
Getting a passenger car or two onto the track compared to freight trains requires far less upgrading and is much easier/feasable at first.