A number of dignitaries were on hand as VIA train 641 pulled into the VIA station in Cobourg on Monday, May 27, 2024.
MP Philip Lawrence, Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky, Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland and Director of Government Relations Denis Boucher welcomed commuters on the inaugural train that pulled into the station just a few minutes late at 7:39 a.m.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The new 641 early-morning frequency will be launched Monday to Thursday between Ottawa and Toronto, for passengers wishing to arrive in Toronto before 9 a.m.
- Train 644, currently offering 3 departures a week between Toronto and Ottawa, will now be offered every day.
An Eagerly Awaited Early Departure
As of May 27, 2024, the new 641 early-morning frequency will be introduced, operating between Ottawa and Toronto from Monday to Thursday. Train 641 will be leaving Ottawa at 4:19 a.m. for arrival in Toronto at 8:48 a.m., with stops in Kingston, Belleville, Cobourg and Port Hope.
“In recent months, stakeholders and frequent passengers from Eastern Ontario have emphasized the significance of early-morning VIA Rail services for their communities, and we took great care to listen and act on this feedback,” said Mario Péloquin, President and Chief Executive Officer.
“This is why we are looking forward to offering this option for passengers who wish to travel to Toronto before 9 a.m., whether for business or leisure. We hope, and are confident, that they will answer the call and help us make this new frequency a success.”
You can find the complete 641 timetable below:
|
Train 641 Schedule |
|
|
Station |
Departure Time |
|
Ottawa |
4:19 a.m. |
|
Fallowfield |
4:38 a.m. |
|
Smiths Falls |
5:05 a.m. |
|
Brockville |
5:35 a.m. |
|
Kingston |
6:18 a.m. |
|
Belleville |
7:00 a.m. |
|
Cobourg |
7:35 a.m. |
|
Port Hope |
7:44 a.m. |
|
Toronto |
8:48 a.m. |
It is important to note that over the coming months, VIA Rail will be closely monitoring the public response to this new early-morning departure and will implement adjustments as necessary, based on ridership and actual use.
More Midday Flexibility
In addition, train 644, which previously operated from Friday to Sunday, will now run every day, also as of May 27, to offer passengers more midday travel options and therefore greater flexibility.
Passengers can start booking their trips on these new departures as soon as April 29, 2024.
VIA Rail remains committed to always finding the balance between meeting our passengers’ travel needs and deploying our limited equipment and staff to provide service to the highest number of Canadians.
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
