Via Rail has decided to delay a trial initiative that would have introduced direct train services between Montreal and Toronto, bypassing certain stops in eastern Ontario. The initial plan was set to commence on September 29, offering passengers a “downtown-to-downtown travel” experience and reducing travel times by 30-40 minutes on some routes.
However, Via Rail stated on Monday that the pilot project has been put on hold due to “operational challenges with our rail partner, CN.” The company expressed its intention to collaborate with CN to explore potential solutions that would enable the testing and launch of direct services at a later date.
Various elected officials along the route, including those in Kingston, Ont., where trains would have made five fewer stops daily, criticized the initiative. Mayor Bryan Paterson highlighted concerns about potentially neglecting the communities between Montreal and Toronto, emphasizing the significant population residing along the rail corridor.
Megan Knott, CEO of Tourism Kingston, also voiced opposition to the proposed cuts, labeling them as “devastating.” Liberal MP Mark Gerretsen from Kingston and the Islands expressed his disappointment with the decision and pledged to address the matter with Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon.
Mayor Paterson emphasized the importance of increased consultation with local communities before implementing service changes. He expressed hope that the postponement could lead to improved services for passengers along the corridor, mentioning the community’s desire for a late-night train between Kingston and Toronto.
Despite facing opposition, Via Rail affirmed its commitment to pursuing direct services between Montreal and Toronto, citing that 70% of passengers had requested such a service. The corporation acknowledged the inconvenience caused to passengers by the pilot project and offered them the flexibility to change their bookings at no additional cost through Via’s customer service.
Overall, Via Rail remains optimistic about the future of efficient passenger rail travel in Canada and apologized to affected passengers for any disruptions caused by the pilot project.
