It’s good to see The Echo present the debate for trails or trains on our neglected Casino to Murwillumbah rail line.
I would like to encourage the debate, and to see rail trail supporters try to be a little less close-minded about the viability of trains, and even more at the thought of trains and trails co-existing.
How can the idea of a commuter service be a fantasy when the North Byron Beach Resort’s Rail Shuttle proposal has gained a lot traction and even has support from the rail trail group? North Byron Beach Resort understands that tourists would rather catch a ‘slow’ train than be stuck in traffic on Ewingsdale Road.
Rail trail enthusiasts say that the benefits of a trail would include taking cars off roads, being close to schools and getting tourists into the hinterland, when all these benefits can also be applied to a train service.
If a rail trail can get tourism infrastructure funding, then why can’t a tourist train that supports our existing tourism and infrastructure?
The rail trail group can’t keep ignoring that many residents would prefer rail services, and that many rail trail supporters only support the idea because they believe it will save the corridor for train in the future.
Angie Burgler, Mullumbimby
They should have both, rail and beside it a riding/walking trail. That would be great. And the rail just goes 3 or 4 times a day back and forth, where as people can ride or walk on the trail next to the lines 24/7.
As a rural resident whose home backs onto the old rail line I would much prefer the walking/bike trail to be closed at night time.
yeh i agree, rail service with trails beside and connecting to existing bike paths would be perfect for our area, and we shouldn’t settle for any less than the best solution for everyone.
Both will be great. It is the viable transport solution we need. The carbon emission from this form of transport would be very small. We need both but if not, trains are the way to go.