The president of Transport Action Atlantic says a drastic reduction in the Ocean passenger service in 2012 has actually led to an increase in government subsidies and no real savings for VIA Rail.
Ted Bartlett says it comes as no surprise that passenger numbers in the Maritimes keep falling.
Bartlett believes there is some hope with a new management team in place at the Crown Corporation.
“Our goal is getting it back to a daily service and then it will be relevant to Maritimers. It will be an attractive option. VIA Rail will have a product to sell. They can grow their ridership and and reduce their dependence on public subsidies.”
Bartlett adds the Ocean is not a tourist train but an important and vital link for many communities on the line between Montreal and Halifax.
