Dear Editor,
I recently read with great interest an article in the Chilliwack Progress written (very well) by Thoman Cheney on behalf of the Rail for the Valley Chilliwack Committee. In it, Mr Cheney explains the value of the publicly-owned inter-urban rail-line, which stretches from Scott Road in Surrey, to Chilliwack. In passing, the route also serves Yarrow, Huntingdon, Abbotsford, Bradner, [the Langleys], Cloverdale, and Newton. All communities south of the Fraser River and in serious need of rapid transit services. With right-of-ways and infrastructure already in place, it would seem a no-brainer for B.C. Transit to jump on a grant opportunity by re-invigorating this jewel. It could go a long way to solving the ever-increasing congestion on Highway 1 in the Fraser Valley, and substantially help reduce auto emission pollution problems in the area.
Would be nice to think that once this plan is up and running it could also include some consideration for our little town of Hope. B.C. Transit currently provides nominal bus service from Hope to Agassiz with a connection to Chilliwack. This is under-used and has low ridership because the majority of potential passengers would prefer the faster and more direct route to Chilliwack via Highway 1. A revamped service to Chilliwack via Highway 1 is therefore only fair, necessary, and called-for. Should the Powers-That-Be authorize activation of the inter-urban, Hopians would then be able to readily access the Lower Mainland area with much greater ease.
There is no doubt it is overdue, that close to one million people south of the Fraser and living in the Valley receive modern, effective, and lasting transit. Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond—step aside, it’s our turn.
Wes Chaulk,
Hope