CN-CPR Co-operate in Vancouver

VANCOUVER - Oct 19/04 -- CN and Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) will work more closely together to improve rail efficiency in the Canadian port of Vancouver.

The agreements jointly increase capacity on key sections of track in the Vancouver area to improve the fluidity of rail operations over existing infrastructure and hopefully improve service to shippers. The agreements provide:

- improved access for CPR to intermodal facilities at Fraser Surrey Docks using a shorter route over CN's main line;

- reciprocal access to the North and South shores, with CPR potash trains having direct access to Neptune Terminals and CN sulphur trains having direct access to Pacific Coast Terminals;

- the option for CPR to operate longer, heavier trains to Vancouver's North Shore under existing access agreements;

- a reciprocal interchange at CN's Thornton Yard and CPR's Coquitlam Yard that replaces a less efficient interchange arrangement; and

- further interchange enhancements for North Shore freight traffic that include BC Rail traffic.