Municipal politicians say the province has ruled out upgrades to the Island's E&N Rail line without considering demand for a commuter rail system linking Victoria to the West Shore.

The Ministry of Transportation released a study yesterday that concluded not enough people use the E&N rail line, or live near it, to justify spending millions of dollars on a commuter rail service for the Island.

"I think it's unfortunate [the ministry] looks at the whole line, rather than starting in Langford and going to Victoria," said Langford councillor Denise Blackwell. "I don't think the province has taken into account the number of people who live in the West Shore and go to work in Esquimalt" -- particularly those who commute to CFB Esquimalt.

Blackwell is convinced a commuter rail line would significantly ease gridlock on the stretch of highway known as the Colwood crawl.

Currently, the E&N Dayliner leaves Victoria for Courtenay at 8 a.m. and returns to Victoria at 6 p.m., which many say runs contrary to popular demand.

Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin said he disagrees with the study's conclusion that there's not enough population density to warrant upgrading the rail line.

"I'm a bit disappointed with the provincial study," said Fortin. "You need to invest in the rail line and then you'll attract the investment in density, as opposed to the other way around."

Transit commissioner and Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard criticized the provincial government for dismissing Greater Victoria transportation projects. He said transportation projects that provide an alternative to car travel rarely have a strong business case.

He questioned whether the B.C. government puts expensive Lower Mainland transportation projects, such as new SkyTrain lines or bridges in key Liberal ridings, through the same hoops and hurdles.

"Us Islanders are feeling a little miffed that we're coming up to 10 years of [Premier Gordon] Campbell's government and when we are looking at transportation improvements in the Lower Mainland compared to the South Island, it's quite a stark contrast."

Nanaimo Mayor John Ruttan agrees with the province that "from a cold business standpoint" the population isn't enough to support commuter rail between Courtenay and Victoria.

His suggestion is similar to Blackwell's, however: Start small.

"If they try to be too ambitious and try to serve too many masters at one time and it becomes a financial disaster, that could be the end of rail on Vancouver Island."

He suggests focusing on the route between Victoria and the West Shore, then letting the rail line expand as the Island's population grows.

"Vancouver Island is growing in leaps and bounds. There's no question in time it would be a viable and necessary operation."

kderosa@tc.canwest.com

rfshaw@tc.canwest.com