JOKE OF THE DAY: Government of Canada Expands AMTRAK Service for 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

Of course, everybody knows Canada has been opposing this expansion for a full year, if not longer. It’s damn nice of you guys to expand Amtrak service and we salute your gentle benevolence.

For out Washington State and northwest readers, this is welcome news, if long overdue. TFA is delighted and only wishes this had come much sooner and was a permanent addition.

Here’s the stinkin’ press release.

Ottawa, Ontario, July 3, 2009 – Today the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety, announced that the Government of Canada is extending border clearance service to a second daily AMTRAK train between Seattle and Vancouver, as a pilot project from August until after the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

“This announcement clearly demonstrates this Government’s commitment to tourism, and the economic prosperity of Canada,” said Minister Van Loan.  “We are showing our commitment to the free flow of legitimate goods and people across the shared border with the United States, by providing the flexibility necessary for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and AMTRAK to process increased demand for their services.”

The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Regional Minister for British Columbia, recognized the importance of this initiative to Canada’s economy. “Cross-border travel and commerce are essential to a healthy economy,” said Minister Day. “Extending service hours for a second daily AMTRAK trip is another demonstration of our government’s commitment to efficient cross-border travel for residents and visitors to British Columbia.”

As part of a review of rail services, the pilot project will be evaluated at its conclusion to determine if the level of traffic on the proposed rail route is high enough to justify ongoing customs services.

For more information, please visit the CBSA’s Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca.

For media information:

Canada Border Services Agency
Media Relations
613-957-6500

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Filed under: Amtrak, Regional USA Passenger Rail