Federal government to study rail service improvements in SW Ontario
The federal government is turning its attention to strategies on how to improve rail service in Ontario west of Toronto.
For some time, the government has been focused on studying and building out its proposed High Frequency Rail project, which aims to transform passenger rail service between Toronto and Quebec City. Absent in that work is any suggestion about how to improve service west of the provincial capital.
On August 30, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced that the federal government will soon begin exploring options on how to improve passenger rail frequencies and on-time performance for the rail network in Southwestern Ontario.
The minister indicated the government would hire an external advisor to analyze passenger demand and route options to improve regional rail service.
The advisor’s report, which will be due by the end of 2023, will be considered for integration into the High Frequency Rail project.
“Travellers in Southwestern Ontario want faster, greener passenger rail service, and I am happy to say that our government remains committed to delivering on High Frequency Rail, stretching from Quebec City to Toronto,” said Alghabra. “With the engagement of a new external advisor, we are ready to develop options that will enhance passenger rail for communities across Southwestern Ontario.”
The minister also reiterated that the government will continue to work with Indigenous groups and local communities to ensure their views are heard and their rights are respected. The Minister intends to host a stakeholder roundtable on passenger rail service in Southwestern Ontario in early 2023.
The federal government’s 2022 budget committed $42.8 million to upgrade VIA Rail stations in Brantford, Chatham, Sarnia and London. The government has also invested $990 million to replace VIA Rail’s fleet in the region, with the first new passenger cars coming into service later this year.