CPR looking into return to passenger rail

Canadian Pacific Railway Co. may consider returning to the rail passenger market, after more than 20 years.

Rob Ritchie, president and chief executive of the railway, said that getting into the passenger business could help CPR increase its track utilization while solving some transportation problems for governments, reports the Financial Post.

CP abandoned passenger service to Via Rail in 1979.

Though no plans have yet solidified, Ritchie said that talks have been underway with several governments on possible public-private initiatives.

Ritchie said CPR got out of the passenger traffic business because it was unprofitable, but that could change if governments introduce new transportation policies.

Ottawa has had ongoing discussions with both CPR and Canadian National Railway, although nothing definitive has been decided.