That the government encourage competition in the passenger rail sector while committing the government to the least amount of interference in the form of regulations, subsidies or other measures. Track Access Track access is a continuing and worsening problem. Access availability has been muddied by institutional battles between private freight companies and VIA Rail. Reform members do not believe that government should be the primary arbitrator in these battles. Maximizing track capacity is in the best interest of both freight companies and passenger rail service providers.
Capacity is a variable element that is affected by both seasonal demand and business cycles.
The efficient movement of containerized freight from eastern ports is of paramount importance. That access problems should be resolved, not by government regulators, but by track owners and passenger rail service operators. Governance Recommendation 9 contradicts the spirit of this report. The intent of the study was to provide new and innovative solutions to the provision of passenger rail service in Canada. The Committee was presented with a variety of governance options.