Representatives of the City of Belleville and Northumberland County have both expressed disappointment at VIA Rail’s decision to reduce services along the Québec City–Windsor Corridor, scheduled to take effect on Oct. 25.
In a statement to InQuinte.ca, Belleville officials stated the reductions include the discontinuation of Train 641, which has provided Belleville residents travelling to Toronto with an arrival time before 9 a.m.
The loss of this service will limit a practical commuting option for residents who rely on passenger rail to reach Toronto for work.
Train 641 provides residents with an alternative to Highway 401 and makes it possible for passengers departing Belleville in the morning to arrive in downtown Toronto before the traditional workday begins.
While other VIA Rail service to Toronto will remain available, the schedule changes will remove this early-morning connection.
The City is also concerned about the potential impact of the broader schedule changes on travel to and from Belleville. Passenger rail is an important part of the city’s transportation network, providing connections for residents, businesses and visitors without the need to travel by car.
“Belleville’s location along the Québec City–Windsor Corridor is an important advantage for our community, and reliable passenger rail service is a significant part of that,” said Mayor Neil Ellis.
“For residents who travel to Toronto for work and for those travelling to Belleville, having practical departure and arrival times matters. We urge VIA Rail to reconsider these reductions and work with municipalities along the corridor to ensure passenger rail service reflects the needs of the communities it serves.”
Meanwhile, Northumberland County is calling on VIA Rail to reverse the decision, saying it eliminates the early-morning rail connection relied upon by Northumberland residents travelling west for work and other essential needs.
The service currently travels from Ottawa to Toronto Monday through Thursday, stopping in both Cobourg and Port Hope.
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.
“This is about more than one train,” stated Warden Bob Crate. “It is about ensuring growing communities like Northumberland are connected to employment and opportunity, and that residents have practical transportation choices.”
The City of Belleville and 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.
