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Great Canadian Railtour Co. (GCRC) — which owns and operates Rocky Mountaineer Railtours — recently unveiled a prototype diesel multiple unit (DMU) locomotive that would run on a new route between North Vancouver and Prince George, British Columbia.

The DMU is an ideal option for the curvy route because of its power and ability to accelerate out of turns; the route could be covered in three to four hours less time compared with a traditional locomotive, according to a prepared statement.

Part of the proposed new service (Whistler Mountaineer) would run between North Vancouver and Whistler; an additional Rocky Mountaineer service also would be added from Whistler, using Prince George as an overnight stop and extending Rocky Mountaineer service along BC Rail Ltd.’s and Canadian National Co.’s routes to Jasper, Alberta.

GCRC plans soon to issue a request for proposals for passenger-rail service on the route.

As part of a long-term strategy to develop tourism initiatives in British Columbia, GCRC also will operate 35 train excursions from Prince Rupert in 2004 to support a cruise ship program.