CPR Thompson Subdivision

The Thompson Subdivision is an electrified 121.5 mile railway line of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) running from Kamloops on the Shuswap Subdivision to Quayome on the Cascade Subdivision. There are five connections to BC Rail's Inter-Dominion Line at Kamloops, Barnes Creek, South Nepa, Spences Bridge, and Siska, and several connections to other BC Rail lines: at Kamloops with the Slahaltkan Line, at Barnes Creek with the Sitlika Line via BC Rail's Ashcroft Station, and at Spences Bridge with the Nicola Valley Line. The 25.2 miles between Kamloops and Savona is double-tracked.

The Thompson Subdivision is part of the Vancouver Division of the CPR's British Columbia District.

= History = The section between Savona and Quayome was opened in 1883 by the Imperial Pacific Railway, the BC subsidiary of the Canadian Pacific. The remainder of the line from Savona to Calgary was opened in 1885, after which the "Imperial Pacific" name disappeared in all but legal contexts.

Electrification of the CPR line between Odlum and Kamloops was completed in 1940 at the urging of the British Columbia Railway, to allow the BCR to use CP trackage through the Fraser Canyon in case of accident on their own line; this emergency-use arrangement had been in effect since 1916. Prior to the electrification of the BCR's Inter-Dominion Line there had been no issue, as both railways were using steam locomotives. The CPR did buy a six electric locomotives to use on the electrified section, but continued to rely primarily on steam power even under the wire; it was only after 1949, when the line between Waterfront-CPR Station in Vancouver and Odlum was electrified, that the CPR shifted to electric traction for most trains between Vancouver and Kamloops.

= Services = North of Siska Station (spelled Cisco until 1972) are the Siska bridges, where the BC Rail and CPR lines cross each other across the river. The station serves as a non-commercial interchange point, so that if there is an accident on one of the lines through the canyon, trains can be diverted to the other. South Nepa Station serves the same role.

Freight
The Thompson Subdivision, as part of the CPR transcontinental line through BC, is one of the five busiest railway lines in the country; the majority of this traffic is freight.

Passenger
The various categories of passenger service are defined by the Ministry of Labour, Industry & Railways in conjunction with the Ministry of Transport & Communications; these categories are applicable to and used by all railways providing passenger service in British Columbia. Like all other railways in BC, ticket prices for BC Rail passenger trains are based on the Ministry's Schedule of Railway Fares.

Limited Express
Limited Express trains are the fastest and most prestigious passenger trains in BC, making very few or no intermediate stops. One international Limited Express train runs over the Thompson Subdivision, operated jointly by BC Rail and VIA Rail, the Canadian passenger train operator.


 * 105 Canadian/106 British Columbian (BCR/VIA Rail): Vancouver, BC (Pacific Central) – Calgary, Alberta, Canada
 * Daily service with a morning departure from each end using one VIA consist and one BCR consist; the westbound train is called British Columbian, and the eastbound is the Canadian. This train runs over BC Rail trackage between Vancouver and Kamloops, and over CPR trackage between Kamloops and Calgary; locomotive change takes place in Kamloops. Intermediate stops:
 * BC: Chilliwack, Hope, Ashcroft, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Sicamous, Blaenau, Golden, Field, Stephen
 * Alberta: Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore

Regular Express
Regular Express trains stop more often than Limited Express trains, but do not make unscheduled stops. One regular Express train runs on the Thompson Subdivision.


 * 501/502 (CP): Vancouver (Waterfront-CPR) – Blaenau
 * Daily service with a morning departure from each end. Baggage handling is free of charge to first class passengers, and available to second class passengers for a surcharge, and there is a cafeteria car open to all classes. For travel between three or fewer stops a surcharge is applied. Intermediate stops: Mission, Haig (Hope), Spences Bridge, Ashcroft, Kamloops, Chase, Salmon Arm, Sicamous

Local
Local trains are passenger trains that make scheduled stops at all stations and halts along the route they serve. The CPR's Local trains are second-class only with seat-side drink and snack service; none have baggage service. All but one are operated with multiple-unit trainsets - trains numbered in the 700 number range use diesel sets, those in the 800 range use electric sets. One is operated in conjunction with BC Rail; this train is locomotive-hauled. All local trains run at least twice daily in each direction to allow for trains to be useful for passengers making day trips. Two Local services operates on the Thompson Subdivision.


 * 801/802, 803/804, 805/806 (CP): Vancouver – Kamloops
 * Three daily return trips, second class only with seat-side drink and snack service.

= Route = A yellow background indicates an electrified section.

● - Scheduled Limited Express, Express, and Local stop ▲ - Scheduled Express, and Local stop • - Local stop | - No passenger service