I find it ridiculous and somewhat incomprehensible that CN Rail and the Rocky Mountaineer seem to honestly believe that the Rocky Mountaineer tourist service is economically viable. According to recent news items, “the average ticket price for the Rocky Mountaineer’s three-day trip to Jasper costs between $4,665 and $5,512.” That is more than most airline tickets to many warmer tourist destinations.
If, as a recent article quoted, the Rocky Mountaineer had almost “5,500 guests onboard” the route last year, that would mean the company received just over $30 million in revenue in 2022.
And it doesn’t sound as if this tourist service benefits any communities along the Sea to Sky corridor. Makes one wonder?
I also wonder why it seems every previous “study” into developing some form of Sea to Sky, rail-based rapid transit system has never come to fruition? Why is a scheduled system between North Van to Whistler/Pemberton, with stops along the route, not viable or even a priority?
The track is already in place. The old “bud car” designs must still be available, or perhaps are moth-balled somewhere and could be renovated and upgraded? Would it be impossible to build or upgrade transfer points at Horseshoe Bay, Lions Bay, Britannia Beach, Furry Creek, Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton?
If a scheduled system was to be available, imagine the significant decrease in vehicle traffic on Highway 99, with a proportional decrease in highway closures due to motor vehicle accidents. Perhaps there might
even be a decrease in environmental impact as well, with commuters using the line for daily commuting, while tourists, skiers and other recreational users use it to travel north and south.
