Editor:
I’ve lived in the Bow Valley since 1982, and like many, have seen the number of visitors consistently increasing every year. More people seem to be hiking, skiing, and enjoying the area, with most arriving by car. People will always want to visit the Rockies and we need to figure out the best way to manage their impact.
The proposed passenger train between Calgary and Banff would help address many of the issues associated with more visitors. A train would eliminate a substantial number of cars, buses, and shuttles between the city and the mountains.
While we know the number of people want to visit the Bow Valley will never decrease, mass transit would ensure there would be fewer vehicles in and around our towns and parks. It's better for the environment and better for the overall experience.
Europe is a prime example of how mass transit effectively moves large numbers of visitors between their destinations. Trains are an affordable, accessible, and sustainable travel option throughout Europe.
Most people visiting Switzerland wouldn’t even consider renting a car since the train system works so well. As a former ski racer and international ski coach, I have personally experienced the convenience and ease of travelling by train from the airport directly to famous ski resorts like Zermatt, Saas-Fee and Wengen.
When I had the choice to travel to these resorts by car or train, I would choose the train any time I could. It really is the best way to travel and takes the stress out of travelling by car on busy highways and dealing with parking challenges, while enjoying the incredible scenery as we have here in the Canadian Rockies.
Banff will only see more visitors as things return to a post-pandemic normal and international travel picks up. Whether visiting for a day or a week, offering them the option of an affordable Calgary to Banff passenger train makes sense and would benefit everyone.
Pete Bosinger,
Banff
