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Sault Ste. Marie To Sudbury

Passenger Rail Initiative

Discussion Paper

- Restricted Circulation -

November 16, 2004Draft 5

A. Osborne M. OShea D. Raymond


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Table of Contents

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66

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1) Introductiona) Preface.........

b) Transportation 2000 Canada.......c) Questions of Interest.......

2) Short Line Rail Situation Analysisa) External Situation Analysis........b) Rail Line Industry Analysis........

3) Review of Comparable Short Line Train Servicesa) Sudbury White River.......b) Montreal Quebec......c) Victoria Courtenay.......

d) Other Short Line Rail Rates

4) Potential Benefits From a Short Line Rail Service Between Sault Ste.Marie And Sudbury

a) Businesses.......b) Tourism.......c) Health Care.........d) Education........e) Safety..f) Environmental Issues..........................g) Other.......

5) Market Potential For a Short Line Rail Initiative Between Sault Ste.Marie and Sudbury

a) Municipalityb) Businesses, Clubs and Organizations....c) Festivals and Attractions....d) Education Sector.e) Health Care Sector......

6) Requirements For a North Central Short Line Rail Companya) Possible Organizational Structures.........b) Improvements to Infrastructure Required..c) Financing.........d) Key Success Factors...........

7) Sources of Information/Correspondencea) Web Sitesb) Emails.

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(1)

Introduction

c) Preface

An initiative has been started to look into the feasibility of a passenger rail line between

Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, Ontario. The idea is being advanced by two interested

individuals with the anticipation of a group to be formed. In the groups beginning stages,

they have connected with the Community Economic & Social Development program at

Algoma University. A student at Algoma University will be assisting the group move

forward with the examination of a passenger rail services linking the communities east of

Sault Ste. Marie. A rail service connecting these Northern Ontario communities can have

significant social, environmental, and economic benefits to all those involved.

The Transportation industry in Canada is very important but is struggling to provide

sustainable, safe, efficient, cost effective, and environmentally sound solutions to all

Canadians. A proper transportation system would allow widely scattered communities to

continue to thrive. Public transportation brings freedom of movement and a better quality

of life to the entire community. However, Canada has failed to address some increasing

difficulties over the last few decades which have resulted in highway and airport

congestion. Canada has also witnessed the removal of bus and ferry schedules as well as

most passenger rail services across the country. Further, Fuel shortages are likely to

worsen in the future causing an increase in the cost of gasoline and subsequently an

increase in the cost of traveling. Change is necessary - but the changes in transportation

have been largely negative. Instead of eliminating crucial transportation services,

communities should find ways of making them work together to insure the survival of all

forms of transportation.

Up until recently, only two large companies (Canadian National Railways and Canadian

Pacific Railway) have dominated the railway industry in Canada with only a few short

line and regional railways (SL/RRs). The Canada Transportation Act was introduced in

1996 which has increased the production of (SL/RRs) across the Canada. (SL/RRs) are an

important part of the transportation system in Canada yet many cities are without any

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form of passenger rail transportation. Canadians rely on effective, efficient, safe and

environmentally sustainable transportation network that is why the rail industry could

significantly improve the accessibility of Northern Communities in Ontario between

Sault Ste Marie and Sudbury.

The most pressing issues facing Canada's SL/RRs are:

financial viability

raising the profile of SL/RRs

public interest issues

rail infrastructure

interline service management

legislative initiatives.

- Source (www.arrc.ca)

d) Transportation 2000 Canada

Transport 2000 Canada is a non-profit organization whose purpose is research, public

education and consumer advocacy. It promotes environmentally-sound transportationsolutions and gets actively involved in a wide range of issues such as: public

transportation, safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, protection of the environment,

inter-modal cooperation and government regulation. Transport 2000 believes that

transportation is more than just a means of moving goods and people, measured only by

profits or political benefits. Transport 2000 believes that public transportation impacts on

land use, economic development and the quality of life. Transportation is a tool to protect

the environment, conserve energy, diminish land pressures, curtail the growth of road and

highway spending and promote economic growth. Transportation also determines

accessibility to housing, education, health services, employment and leisure. Transport

2000 represents the interests of consumers or users of public transport services in Canada

and is involved with a variety of transport issues including:

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http://www.arrc.ca/http://www.arrc.ca/


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the development of rail passenger services in Canada;

the future of inter-city bus services;

urban and commuter transit systems;

the implications to consumers of the deregulated airline industry in Canada;

the role of marine and coastal services;

the effects of and alternatives to rail branch line abandonments;

the role of government regulation in all public transportation;

the impact on the public interest of demands for new highway spending;

the safety of air, rail, and other public carriers;

the promotion of inter-modal links to improve the accessibility and cost-efficiency

of public transport

- (www.transportation2000.ca)

e) Questions of Interest

1) Are there individuals in the community who would be interested in the rail line

initiative?

2) What would be an appropriate structure for this group?

3) Which organizations in the north east are available to help mobilize the group?

4) What are the funding opportunities? (government? private?)

5) What would be the costs of developing the rail infrastructure to accommodate a short

line passenger rail service?

6) How many trains would be needed and how often would they run?

7) Who would own and/or the rail service? (profit? non profit?)

8) What social, economic, and environmental benefits can a passenger rail service

provide to the communities in the region?

9) Is there a demand for a passenger rail service between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury?

10)How would other transportation industries, and stakeholders play a part

11)What is the history and track record of the rail service between Sault Ste. Marie and

Sudbury?

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(2)

Short Line Rail situation Analysis

a) External Situation AnalysisOpportunities

Changing trends to be more environmentally friendly

Aging demographics in the region needing more transportation options

Cultural shifts in preferred methods of transportation

The costs of all forms of transportations have increased, some substantially

Bad winter weather causes delays and dangerous road conditions

Increasing fuel prices and automotive insurance costs

Sault Ste. Marie has a skilled labour force and Three post-secondary education

facilities for staff and support

Potential for linking with Sault Ste. Maries strong tourism industries

Increase in mobile technology

Existing rail network to link to other major destinations

Challenges

Shrinking northern populations

Improvements to alternative methods of transportation

b) Rail line industry analysisAltering existing transportation balance

trengthsS

Transportation by train is well known as a cost effective, safe and

environmentally friendly method of transportation

r travelers to move about and

Weaknesses

Trains have more open area than planes or busses fo

work

Potentially high initial cost of restoring tracks, stations, and purchasing equipment

Potentially high operating and maintenance costs

Potentially high cost of tickets to passengers

Infrastructure needs improvements

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(3)

Review of Comparable S Line Train Services

(The F

) Sudbury White River (The Lake Superior)

hort

ollowing Information Was Obtained from Via Canada)

a

The Lake Superioris a short line railway that travels between Sudbury and White River

and is operated by VIA Rail Canada. The train makes three round trips per week and

stops in Cartier, Franz and a few other places in between. It also allows outdoor

enthusiast to get off anywhere they want if they request a special stop. The Lake Superior

is a very handy way to travel in northern Ontario regardless of weather or road

conditions.

A round trip between Sudbury and White R ver costs $106 (taxes extra) when you buy

e Lake Superior departs Sudbury on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at

i

tickets seven days in advance. Comfort class is the only class available between Sudbury

and White River.

.

Th

09:40 and arrives in White River at 18:00; it leaves White River on Wednesdays, Fridays

and Sundays (departure from White River at 09:30, arrival in Sudbury at 19:00).

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The Train

fers comfortable seats, lots of leg room and large windows to let passengers

b) Montreal Charny Quebec (City Train

The train of

admire the scenery allowing safe and worry free travel. Passengers are invited to bring

their own food, because there is no meal service on the train. It is recommended that

baggage is restricted to one or two carry-on baggage. But travelers can make use of the

baggage car with a maximum of six articles, three free of charge. Alcohol is served

onboard but serving hours are governed by the laws of Ontario. Under these laws, one

cannot consume alcohol that was not purchased onboard.

)

The Montral-Charny-Qubec (City train) takes passengers to and from Montreal and

Quebec City. The train avoids bottlenecks on the bridges and the stress of

driving especially during adverse weather conditions.

Fares are much cheaper then air or car trav between Montral andel. A round-trip ticket

Qubec City costs only $82 (purchase five days in advance, taxes extra, some conditions

apply). The Montral-Qubec City train offers you a choice of three or four departures

per day in either direction. The complete journey generally takes a little under three

hours.

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Train

in has extra large seats with headrests and all the room needed to work or stretch

ctivities for children

ed with the VIA Rail Kids Activity Book which contains a variety

ther classes available

maximum comfort, a delicious meal and many privileges.

) Victoria Courtenay (The Malahat)

The tra

out. All trains running between Montral and Qubec City now use VIA's new

Renaissance cars. These ultramodern cars feature a combination of leading edge

technology, comfort and sophistication. Passengers can place calls on mobile phones or

Work on lap top computers. There is also food and beverage services aboard each train

served by professional staff. Passengers are allowed one article of baggage into the car

with you, but check up to seven articles, four free of charge.

A

Children will be delight

of cut and paste, and colouring activities. In summer, guides provide tourist information

for passengers and entertain children aboard. Also, When it's time to eat, excellent menus

are available for children.

O

VIA 1 class offers you

Available on most trains in Southern Qubec and Southern Ontario.

c

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On the Malahat beautiful countryside in

Vancouver Island ria and

The Malahat time to

Courtenay is approxim inus, Nanaimo,

Parksville or get

on and off as m destination.

bring their own

od, because there is no meal service on the train. However there is plenty of time to buy

Other Short Line Rates Return

passengers discover some of the most

between Victoria and Courtenay. The round-trip between Victo

Courtenay costs only $58 (purchase seven days in advance, taxes extra.

offers one departure per day in each direction. The journey

ately 4 hours. Passengers can get off at Chema

Qualicum Beach: as everywhere else in the network. It allows people to

any times as they like for the price of one ticket to the final

Train

A comfortable seat, large windows to admire the scenery, hassle-free, and safe travel.

That's what's a passenger gets on the Malahat, passengers are invited to

fo

a sandwich, a soft drink or a coffee during the stop at Nanaimo. There is no baggage car

on this train. This means that checked baggage service is not available. It is also restricted

to two items of carry-on baggage. There is alcohol served on the train and is controlled

by the government of British Columbia

d)

Toronto-Niagara Falls: $23

London-Windsor: $34

Oakville-Ottawa: $86

Montral-Toronto: $86

All Train Information, Maps and rates were obtained from Via Canada.www.Via.ca

November 1, 2004

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(4)

Potential Benefits from a Short Line Rail Initiative between Sault Ste. Marie and

Sudbury

a)

Businesses

There is a real opportunity for the businesses in Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury to

benef oviding

affordable access to these two la in Northern Ontario, consumers and

suppliers have an alternative m ss customers, and to buy goods. A

passenger rail service would also make the smaller communities in between Sault Ste.

Marie and Sudbury, more accessible and can assist the growth of the smaller, more

isolated markets in the north.

A rail service can also provide access to technology, meals, and beverages while on

the train. This alone may make rail transportation appeal to people traveling for

business or people who require a premium form of travel. Unlike a bus or a plane, a

train can provide these services allowing a person to remain connected and make

more effective use of their time while traveling.

b) Tourism

it from a rail services as well as all communities in between. By pr

rge markets

ethod to travel, acce

A rail service could add to the tourism industry for all communities in the north.

Many different hospitability and tourism organizations can make use of a rail service

to increase access to markets or support products/services. Special packages can be

created that incorporate the train ride as part of the deal or promotion. A working

relationship among key businesses such as the Casinos, hotels, restaurants, adventure

trips, and other tourist based companies is essential. This would increase access to

attractions in Sudbury, Sault Ste Marie, and all communities in between. Lastly, the

train itself could be made into a tourist attraction, complementing the Algoma Central

Railway, for customers to travel across the north east in style and safety.

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c) Health Care

A passenger rail service between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury would increase

egional access to healthcare in Sault Ste. Marie for general health care and

ide for equipment. A rail service would also provide

further access to prescription medication and could be used as a delivery system for

d) Education

r

emergency services from neighboring communities. It would also increase access to

medical care in Sudbury that is not available in Sault Ste. Marie, such as cancer and

cardiac care. Unlike other methods of transportation, a train has the ability to bring

health care professionals and equipment onboard as well as provide a faster, safer,

more comfortable ride. This would make it an ideal form of transportation for elderly

and critically ill patients who may require assistance along the way or more room

then a bus or car could prov

medical supplies and between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury. Lastly, a passenger rail

system could be used assist the Northern Ontario Medical School by providing

another transportation service to/from the Sudbury facility and by building strong

relationships with the communities.

rail system could benefit both public and private schools in the north andA

strengthen the partnerships between educational institutions by offering fast,

affordable, and technologically innovative services to further link the schools

educational programs, resources, and opportunities for students. A rail system would

make schools in the north more accessible, which may encourage stronger working

relationships between the schools and communities as well as possibly increase the

number of students who can attend from outlying areas. Also, schools at all levels

will have an alternative to taking a bus for field trips and can make the train part of

the destination and learning experience.

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e) Safety

Canadians rely on safe transportation methods in order to travel, ship goods, and

commute between locations all over Canada. The vast distances between

communities along with poor weather conditions can isolate smaller communities that

do not have suitable access to and from other locations.

Perception of Transportation Safety

-(EKOS Research Associates)

wn as a safe alternative to driving, especially in poor weather

onditions or during the night. There are numerous accidents each year between Sault

Trains are kno

c

Ste. Marie and Sudbury that could possibly be avoided if a rail system was in place.

Car and motorcycle crashes caused 54.7% of Canadian spinal-cord injuries in

Canada, according to the Canadian Paraplegic Association.

Motor vehicle crashes caused approximately 50% of all degrees of traumatic

brain injuries in the US.

- (www.tranportation2000.ca)

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f) nvironmental IssuesE

n the 1996 National Toxics

ventory, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that mobile sources such

as cars, trucks, and bus er-causing, hazardous

air pollutants each year. C est contributor to climate

change and the transportation sector is one of the largest sources of CO . In Canada,

issions produced

Motor vehicles are the largest source of air pollution, generating more than two thirds

of the carbon monoxide in the atmosphere. Some pollutants emitted by cars and

trucks are also known to cause cancer, including toxic substances such as soot,

benzene, arsenic compounds, formaldehyde, and lead. I

In

es release about 3 billion pounds of canc

arbon dioxide (CO2) is the larg

2

the transportation sector contributes 47% of the carbon dioxide emand about 25% of total greenhouse gas emissions (www.tranportation200.com). A

the health-care sys

rail transportation service could significantly reduce the amount of pollution caused

by cars and trucks on the highways between Sault Ste Marie and Sudbury.

The Ontario Medical Association estimated that in the year 2000, pollution costs to

tem and losses to employers and employees in that province were

more than $1 billion. (www.tranportation2000.ca)

g) Other

Land use costs

Each la direction - about

250

of the people-carrying capacity of a rail line occupying the same amount of land. To

put it another way: To replicate that capacity in private cars on an expressway

ection. (www.tranportation200.ca)

ne of highway can carry about 2000 cars per hour in each

0 people, assuming an average of 1.25 passengers per car. But that's only 15-20%

requires at least 6 lanes per dir

Enhance the capability to meet changing demographic needs

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s people age, they tend to change the way in which they travel. In Canada, theaging

population in the north requires an alternative form of transportation that is safe,

A

reliable, affordable, and comfortable.

Increase collaboration between municipalities and social clubs

A passenger rail system could further strengthen the relationships of cities between

Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury by offering another form of much needed

transportation. Offering an additional method of travel will allow organizations to

work closer together and open new markets in the north.

Possible Parcel delivery / courier capabilities

A passenger rail service could also take a portion or parcels and cargo delivery to

the flexibility of additional

departure/arrival times for goods.

Sudbury that may to be too large or heavy for a bus or a plane. The train may also be

more convenient for locations where the bus or plane does not stop or because of

scheduling issues. The service would also provide

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) Local/Regional Government

(5)

Possible Market Potential for a Short Line Passenger Rail Initiative

betweenSault Ste. Marie and Sudbury

a

Municiplaities/Tonships/Villages/Towns

First Nations

Economic Development Corporations / Community Development Corporations

b) Businessesi. Chambers of Commerce

c) lubs and OrganizationsC

Hotel/Motel Associations

Northern Ontario Tourism Organization

Regional Tourism Associations

Elks Club (re: Cancer care transportation)

Indian Friendship Centre

The Ontario Camping Association

d) Festivals and Attractions

Bon Soo

Sault Ste. Marie Drum Festival

Algoma Fall Festival

Cine Fest

Science North/Dynamic Earth

Sault Ste. Marie Charity Casino

Sudbury Downs

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Museums

Theaters

Historical sites

Parks

Campgrounds

e) Education Sector

Algoma University

Laurentian University

Sault College

Cambrian College

Lake Superior State University

Regional public and private schools

f) Health Care Sector

Hospitals

Health Care and Medical Centres

Pharmacies

Northern Ontario Medical School

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(6)

zational structures

Requirements for a North Central Short Line Rail Company

a) Possible organi

ng rail companiesService from existi

Partnerships with existing rail companies

Partnerships with Municipalities

Private enterprise

Publicly owned corporation

Non profit organization

o

b) Infrastructure improvements and purchases required

W rker co-operative

a (including bridges)Tr ck, rail bed

Buildings

c) Financing

Trains (rolling stock)

Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments

Existing rail companies

Banks or similar lending institutions

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Other private or corporate lenders

Financing through the sale of stocks

) Key success factorsd

ulSufficient customer demand two-way ha

Competitive pricing

ingConvenient schedul

Excellent customer service

Suitable tracks and trains

urAccess to skilled labo

Efficient use of technology to meet customer needs and assist in sales/marketing

Harmonized integration with existing transportation services

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(7)

Sources of Information / Correspondence

) Web Sites

a

Association of Regional Railways Canada (http://www.arrc.ca/website/index.asp)

Via Canada (http://www.viarail.ca/en_index.html)

Canada National Railway (http://www.cn.ca/index.shtml)

Transportation 2000 Canada (http://www.transport2000.ca)

Transportation Canada - Rail (http://www.tc.gc.ca/rail/menu.htm)

Rail America (http://www.railamerica.com/index.html)

Canada By Rail (http://www.canadabyrail.ca/aboutCBR.html)

The Railway Association of Canada (http://www.railcan.ca/)

Rails Canada (http://www.railscanada.com/index2.shtml)

b) EmailsMike OShea James Peters, Via Customer Relations

Correspondence to Date

To: Mike OSheaFrom: James Peters

Thank you for your follow-up email.

Services are offered with an objective of increasing ridership by responding to the needsof the market and better serving the majority of our customers. Our schedules andservices are reviewed periodically in an attempt to match customer demand according tothe options presented by VIA resources and constraints. Examples of the latter includethe time slots allotted to us on CN and CP tracks, as well as equipment cycling andservicing. We realize that every schedule has some drawbacks, and we must select themost convenient for the majority of our customers.

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With regards to the possibility of establ service between Sault Ste. Marie andSudbury, suggestions a iew by our marketingroup, while keeping in mind the needs of all of our passengers. Unfortunately, limited

resources do not permit us have formal discussions on these issues with individuals oreless, we appreciate the fact that you have taken the time to write to us on

behalf of the residents in your area.

------------------------------------------

To: James PetersFro MDeSince I last e-mailed you I have began to co-facilitate a small working group to look atthe s he Sault and SudburyOntario. W

to k w s Via have anyresources or advice that could as In youropi nTha

---- -To: iFro J

or your email expressing an interest in a passenger rail link between Saultnd Sudbury. As you may have heard the recent acquisition of new equipment

services where financiallyur Marketing group for their

ion.

ail Canada today is that any new train service must pay for itself asidy with no planned increases. You can rest assured that routes such

e considered and new services will be added if

orth shore? What would it take to

ishingre welcome, and they are documented for rev

g

groups. Neverth

m: ike Oshea

ar Mr. Peters

fea ibility of re-establishing the passenger rail service between thile the process is at the very early stages, my committee would be interested

no who at Via, we should be discussing this initiative with. Doesist us in pulling our feasibility study together?nio what are the key issues that we must address?

nk you for your time, and I look forward to your reply

---- ---------------------------------

M ke OSheam: ames Peters

Thank you fte. Marie aS

will allow us to consider the feasibility of introducing newviable. I have forwarded a copy of your email to oinformation and consideratThe reality at VIA Rwe have a fixed subsas Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury will binancially viable.f

To: James PetersFrom: Mike OShea

Hi, I live in Sault Ste. Marie, ON. Some years ago there was a train the Bud car thatran between Sault Ste. Marie & Sudbury. Does Via rail have any plans to provideregional rail service to Sault Ste. marie & the N

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establish such a service? Given our aging population, and the regionalization of cancercare in Sudbury, it make good sense to re-establish this rail link...what do you think?

Mike O'Shea

Art Osborne Brian Christie, The Office of Tony Martin MP

Tony Marin MP

n... one of us will be in to get it.

o: Art Osborne

drop by the office any time 9-12 1:30-4:30 nexteek. Brian

----

fforts.

e

rt, I ordered a copy of the report today from the Transport Canada,velopment Centre. I will call you when it comes in.

---------------------------

Correspondence to Date

To: The Office ofFrom: Art Osborne

Many thanks BriaWe appreciate your effort and will have a new project discussion document for youroffice review likely next week.

------------------------------

TFrom Brian Christie

Art, the report just came in. You canw-------------------------

To: The Office of Tony Marin MPFrom: Art Osborne

Great Brian!Our group thanks you for your e-----------------------------

To: Art OsborneFrom Brian Christi

ATransportation De--To: Art OsborneFrom Brian Christie

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Tony, A quick update...

I Will send you the next Version of the Sault Sudbury Discussion paper spoon.. OK toto the list in the document as a person contacted? (Doesn't position you

ne way of the other... just that we chatted.)

sportation Accessible.if so, that'd be great.

add your nameo

Transport Canada has a book that would be helpful.... Making TranNot sure if your folks could easily access one for us, butCheers,

rail initiative[1]

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