The only problem I have with this is that the idea could lead to a couple of fact-finding junkets. The suits who read this could decide they have to visit Bermuda to study the ferry system. And when they get back it will be off to New Orleans to check out their freebie

I’ll explain….

Ever since a visit to Bermuda a couple of years ago, I have been telling anyone who was willing to listen about the Sea Express ferry system that provides residents and visitors with a reliable, efficient and safe mode of transportation.

With a network of stops across the island, the ferry is an easy and convenient way to commute.  Sea Express operates three year-round routes along with a seasonal service from April to November.  This route is mainly designed to take tourists to the Dockyard, a bit of a trap for visitors, but nonetheless worth a visit.

There are four high-speed catamarans that travel up to a speed of 32 knots. The boats have a capacity for 200 or more passengers.

The Bermudians are making the best possible use of what they have, their water. Up until now,  we have chosen to more or less ignore our ice-free harbour, save for the

Dartmouth/Halifax /Woodside ferry. Peter Kelly had it right (it must be an election year, he ventured a bit of an opinion) when he said the Basin doesn’t freeze over and doesn’t need plowing or salting.

In the 1950s, when cars were the exception and not the rule, many suburban residents used Canadian National Railways to commute to work in downtown Halifax. People would get on in Windsor Junction, Bedford, Prince’s Lodge, Rockingham and Armdale, arriving at the station on Hollis Street around 8:30 am. In the evening, around 5:30pm, the train bound for Truro and Sydney took these people home. It was a milk run but it worked.

Sadly, as more and more cars were sold, the ridership quickly declined, and eventually inter-provincial rail service died and the tracks were torn up.  That act was most regrettable and would never happen today.

Earlier in his term of office, Kelly talked about making use of the second set of tracks and instituting a commuter rail service. Great idea, but it never got off the ground, and CN tore up the tracks. So we are left with developing more roads or making use of the harbour.

Aside from the much needed Burnside/Sackville expressway, building more roads, widening the existing ones, and yes, adding another bridge, will only bring even more cars into an already choked and severely polluted peninsula.

A ferry system from Eastern Passage to Bedford, with stops along the way, would unclog the streets, and lower emission levels, especially if a hefty fee were levied on those who insisted on driving their cars to work.

Hey, even in New Orleans they make use of the Mississippi, and run a free ferry service to help keep cars out of their downtown.

There, I’ve said it and I’m sure the good old boys who run this burg are making their plans. Hopefully this time we won’t have to buy them their clothes and luggage.

(Al Hollingsworth is a retired journalist who can’t believe he just complimented Stephen Harper)