Commuter Rail (E&N) vs Rapid Transit (CRD) Part One

There seems to be some confusion regarding the differences between commuter rail on the E&N and rapid transit to the Westshore via Douglas/TCH/Old Island Hwy/Goldstream. So todays post will hopefully clarify things, as there is a big distinction between the two.
 

Commuter Rail
This is used mostly for long trips with limited stations, to connect outer communities. In the case of the E&N Rwy, limited stop stations would be spaced far apart. Service would mostly be during morning and afternoon rush hour trips with some limited service in between (covered by regular intercity services). The type of vehicle that would be appropriate for such a service are DMUs (Diesel Multiple Units). These would be similar to the current RDCs being used on the line today, but would be modern and partly low floor to allow access for strollers, wheelchairs and the elderly. Refer to my picture posted on my main page on the right.

It would serve residents along the corridor, but mostly connect commuters who live north of Victoria; Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill, Cowichan Valley and in the Nanaimo District, as I have heard many commute from there as well.

Here is a typical map of what stations are possible on the line.

This map dating from the early 90s, shows stations at; Downtown Victoria, Esquimalt Docks, Helmcken Rd, Langford, Malahat Summit, Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill and Duncan.

This map that I drew up recently and shows more possible stations. Other possible stations are Atkins Rd in Victoria, a possible second station in Duncan (south) and at Drinkwater Rd. There are also possible stations in Nanaimo to serve the major shopping centres, as the corridor runs beside each of them.