(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
The Town of Cobourg is expressing concern regarding recently announced changes to VIA Rail service along the Québec City–Windsor Corridor that will take effect October 25. Changes will include the end of Train 641, which provides Cobourg residents with a direct early-morning connection to Toronto, arriving in Toronto before 9 a.m.
Reliable passenger rail service is an important transportation connection for Cobourg and communities throughout eastern Ontario. For Cobourg residents who commute to Toronto and other communities for employment, early and reliable train service provides an important alternative to travelling Highway 401 and supports the ability to live locally while accessing employment opportunities across the region.
Passenger rail is also important to Cobourg’s tourism economy. As a destination located along the VIA Rail corridor, convenient and frequent train service provides visitors from Toronto, Ottawa and surrounding communities with direct access to Cobourg’s waterfront, downtown, accommodations, restaurants, events and local businesses.
The Town is concerned that this service change could make passenger rail less accessible and convenient for residents and visitors and believes the potential cumulative impact of schedule changes on communities throughout the corridor warrants further discussion.
“For many Cobourg residents, VIA Rail is not simply a convenience; it is an important connection to employment, education, family and opportunity,” says Mayor Lucas Cleveland. “On behalf of Cobourg Council, I say this decision being taken by VIA is beyond unacceptable for commuters along this vital transportation corridor. This decision is even more disappointing given the years of advocacy by our MP, MPP and myself to re-establish early-morning stops in May 2024, only to have that decision revoked two years later.”
The Town recognizes the operational considerations involved in managing a national passenger rail network; however, decisions regarding service levels should also consider the broader economic, workforce, tourism and transportation needs of the communities the rail corridor serves.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
