Quote:
Originally Posted by surferguy
I don’t understand why people keep speaking about getting to the trailhead. I’d wager 90% of the tourists that go to Banff never make it to a trailhead. They go to Banff and check out the town for a day or two. The train gets them from the airport to Banff relatively easy.
Having been to mountain towns in Europe, I’d never consider a car when arriving because the train takes me where I want to go.
Maybe the framing is different for me, I don’t see this as something that is needed for locals (it would be sweet as an option) but needed for tourists. Am I wrong for seeing it that way?
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Not wrong at all. I actually think that the biggest benefits to Calgarians would be economic. Calgary is bypassed by so many, and that's a missed opportunity for the city. Calgary is basically Banff's airport, but capturing a few of them for a day or two would be great. An easy link with good frequency between YYC, downtown, and Banff would be a much easier sell to travel companies, tour operators, and individual tourists. When they book the YYC-Banff ticket, have a little option for a day or two in Calgary with an associated hotel deal, and then continue on your way. Easy peasy.
A train to the the airport would also benefit locals somewhat. I actually don't think that LRT on its own should be a priority (way more benefit for LRT to be prioritized in other areas first), but a commuter train as part of the Banff project makes more sense.
On top of all of that, if I can hop on with the tourists and go to Banff without a car for a few days, or even as a day trip - bonus. If I want to drive instead? That's fine too. It is just about options.