The Ontario government is purchasing three new trainsets as part of its plan to bring back northeastern passenger rail service. The $139.5 million investment marks a significant milestone in reinstating service between Timmins and Toronto, and unlocking the full economic potential of northern industries, resources and minerals.
“This is a significant step forward in bringing back the rail service that northerners deserve,” said Stan Cho, Associate Minister of Transportation. “The reinstated Northlander train will support our northern industries and resource sectors and provide a safe and reliable transportation option for Northern communities, especially in the winter months. This purchase demonstrates real progress, as we continue to take concrete steps to build a better transportation network for the north.”
The new rail cars will be built by Siemens Mobility Limited and will meet the latest EPA Tier 4 emission standards, making them one of the most environmentally friendly diesel locomotives on the market. The fully accessible fleet will include built-in wheelchair lifts, mobility aid storage spaces, galley style food services and fully accessible washrooms.
“People and businesses in Northern Ontario rely on a safe, convenient transportation network to get where they need to go and to keep our goods moving,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “The reinstatement of passenger rail service will ensure access to essential services like health care and education, while supporting economic prosperity and tourism in the region.”
The trainset interiors will also feature spacious seating and modern amenities, including Wi-Fi connectivity and passenger information systems with audio and visual announcements.
Once reinstated, northeastern passenger rail service will be offered from four to seven days a week, based on seasonal travel demands.
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“service will be offered from four to seven days a week, based on seasonal travel demands”
How is this a: “reliable transportation option for Northern communities, especially in the winter months”? Another word stated was “convenient”. Four days a week? Seasonal travel demands?
I’m all for public transit and make an effort (which is required around here) to use it. These statements and grand announcements of large amounts of money being spent tend to obscure the bottom line question: will people use the train? I think the answer to why it was shut down, was no.
To succeed, it needs to actually be AVAILABLE, convenient, reliable and affordable.
“By 2041, annual ridership is currently estimated to be between approximately 40,000 and 60,000.”
Long-away, wide-ranging estimate. Is this a good number that gets people out of cars?
I’m hopeful, yet skeptical about the revived train service. The people designing it ought to keep in mind the personal vehicle is extremely serious competition so if you don’t bring an attractive alternative, the shiny new rail cars might be rolling empty.
Hmmm. What else happens in 2026?
Another provincial election.
There is no reason the Northlander couldn’t be reinstated tomorrow with the old cars and engines.
But that wouldn’t buy votes in 2026.
Until whenever the new engines are actually delivered. 2028? 2030?
New likely means another Ottawa LRT debacle.
New engines are absolutely not required to reinstate the Northlander.
Just another smokescreen delay/bribe by Ford.