SAVE THE RAIL

Industry and economic prosperity depends on it

I can’t seem to understand the merit of railroads abandoning, then in most cases, officially closing a line and lifting the rails. Our nation was built on the railroad. It is ironic that through the original commissioning of numerous shortlines over a 160 years ago, rail was the virtual choice for commodity and resource shipments to sea ports and world markets, and today, rail is quickly reappearing as the preferred choice in shipment especially over the ‘long haul’. Transportation and logistics entrepreneurs are realizing that rail and the trucking industry can develop working partnerships and pool resources to provide efficient, cost-effective solutions for their clients. Where rail is in danger of being abandoned or removed, saner heads must prevail and work toward preserving this rapidly evaporating resource. When ‘the rail’ disappears, it rarely reappears and industries using the railway, particularly those on or near rail right-of-ways will ultimately slow down, lay-off and potentially close. New industry that would require rail as a shipping option would not likely open. Railway companies must be increasingly proactive in business development and revenue generation strategies. While the railroad industry itself is a century-and-a-half old, a finely-tuned twenty-first century business, sales and marketing mind-set is critical. Industry requiring and using rail will be future economic growth leaders and even as the world economy gets back on its feet, a new prosperity and vitality will be felt especially in communities through which the railway passes. The Beachburg Sub from Pembroke to Ottawa must be preserved.

D.Watts
Ottawa

It’s time to take action… Save the Rail Line!

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