Eastern Ontario municipalities seek public input to build case for restoration of commuter train

Is your train commute off the rails? Eastern Ontario municipalities seek public input to build case for restoration of commuter train services to GTA

Eastern Ontario is growing. Now more than ever, commuters need fast, reliable, and sustainable regional transit options. That is why Eastern Ontario municipal partners are building the case for why VIA Rail must restore commuter Train 651 – a vital transit link between this region and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Community members are being asked to support this initiative by completing a short survey by August 5, 2022.

“The province is reopening and people are returning to the office. With the rising cost of fuel, and environmental sustainability a growing concern, there is a critical need for regional transit options,” states Northumberland County Warden Bob Crate. “As we plan for the liveable, competitive, and sustainable communities of the future, Eastern Ontario needs VIA Rail Train 651 restored. We encourage residents to help us build the case for this service by completing our brief survey about the need and opportunity for commuter train services for the Kingston-to-Toronto corridor.”

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, VIA Rail commuter Train 651 serviced the Kingston-to-Toronto corridor, conveying workers to jobs in the GTA, along with other riders. Following a drop in ridership during the pandemic, VIA announced the cancellation of this train along with other services. Affordability for commuters is now also at risk following the suspension of the VIA Rail Pass program.

As the province reopens, Eastern Ontario municipalities have joined together to build the case for why VIA Rail must #CommitToCommuters and restore these essential services. To help get the morning commute back on track, community members are encouraged to complete a 3-minute survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/OnTrackCommute.