(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
Northumberland County is calling on VIA Rail Canada to reconsider its decision to cancel Train 641, eliminating the early-morning rail connection relied upon by Northumberland residents travelling west for work and other essential needs.
VIA Rail announced this week that Train 641 will cease operation effective October 25. The service currently travels from Ottawa to Toronto Monday through Thursday, stopping in both Cobourg and Port Hope and arriving at Toronto Union Station before 9 a.m.
Northumberland County Council is expressing significant concern with this decision. The County led extensive advocacy for restoration of morning commuter rail service following its suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic, working alongside municipal partners across Eastern Ontario to demonstrate the need for a reliable, affordable and sustainable morning connection to Toronto.
Evidence supporting commuter service remains strong
That advocacy included the 2022 release of The Case for Getting VIA Train 651 Back on Track: A report on the critical importance of commuter train services for a growing Eastern Ontario. Based on feedback from more than 2,800 residents, the report provided compelling evidence of both the demand for morning rail service and its importance to the regional economy and quality of life.
The findings showed that 96 per cent of previous users intended to return to the service if restored, while 31 per cent of all respondents identified themselves as prospective new users. Residents identified morning rail as an important connection to employment, education and retraining, and medical appointments. The report also documented the financial pressures facing commuters without the service and the broader economic and environmental benefits of providing an alternative to vehicle travel.
Those findings formed the foundation for sustained advocacy by Northumberland County and partners to VIA Rail and the federal government. In May 2024, VIA introduced Train 641, restoring an early-morning connection to Toronto. At the time, VIA acknowledged that it had listened and responded to feedback calling for the return of morning service.
“Northumberland County worked hard alongside our municipal partners, along with MPP Piccini and MP Lawrence, and residents to demonstrate why this service matters, and we were pleased when VIA responded by restoring a morning train in 2024,” states Northumberland County Warden Bob Crate. “The evidence that made the case for restoration has not disappeared. Northumberland continues to grow. Our residents continue to travel west for employment, education and medical care. They continue to need affordable, reliable alternatives to driving Highway 401. Eliminating this service takes us backwards.”
VIA has indicated that passengers will continue to have an early-morning option through changes to Train 41. However, under the new schedule that train will arrive in Toronto at approximately 9:37 a.m., rather than before 9 a.m. For residents travelling into Toronto for a conventional workday, this significantly reduces its viability as a commuter option.
County renews call for reliable morning rail connection
The County’s 2022 advocacy emphasized that transportation infrastructure must keep pace with the growth of Eastern Ontario. That need has only become more pressing as communities across the region continue to grow and as residents increasingly look for transportation options that support economic opportunity, affordability and environmental sustainability.
“This is about more than one train,” continues Warden Crate. “It is about ensuring growing communities like Northumberland are connected to employment and opportunity, and that residents have practical transportation choices. Our community made a strong, evidence-based case for morning rail service four years ago. That case still stands today. We are calling on VIA Rail and the federal government to listen once again and work with our communities to maintain this vital connection.”
Northumberland County will be sharing community feedback with VIA Rail Canada and the federal Minister of Transport and is encouraging residents, businesses and commuters to add their voices.
Residents can review the County’s previous advocacy, including The Case for Getting VIA Train 651 Back on Track, and share comments about the importance of morning commuter rail service through the County’s Keeping Your Commute on Track engagement page.
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
