Start by restoring short stretch of E&N

Re: “Province backtracks on commuter rail study,” Nov. 23.

Apparently, studying the short length of the E&N between Victoria and Langford is too big a project for the NDP government. They now claim that they will study the whole length of the E&N.

Well, don’t hold your breath, all you citizens clawing your way to and from Victoria and Langford. If this excuse for government can’t sort out what it will take to reinstate this short 15-kilometre stretch of the E&N right-of-way, it should let someone do it who can. If ownership is a problem for the government, private operators could be offered a lease agreement with reasonable term lengths and fees to make it interesting.

The need for this short stretch is obvious; the line condition and choice of rolling stock are the major part of what needs to be studied.

Regarding the input of Esquimalt and Songhees residents before reopening this facility, one must assume that they will benefit from the convenience, as will everyone else.

Liberal transportation critic Jordan Sturdy called the NDP’s call for more studies of the E&N “analysis paralysis.” He was far too polite about a government that simply cannot see the dire need for something so basic to our West Shore communities.

Ed Monteith Sooke