Concerns are being expressed about the decision of VIA Rail to eliminate stops in Belleville and surrounding local communities during an upcoming pilot project.
Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette stated his frustration on behalf of city residents about multiple trains travelling straight from Montreal through to Toronto starting September 29 until December 21.
Starting Sept. 29, VIA Rail trains 60, 61, 68 and 69 will not stop in Cornwall, Brockville, Kingston and Belleville while travelling through eastern Ontario between Montréal and Toronto.
According to a CTV report, Starting Sept. 29, VIA Rail train 50 from Toronto to Ottawa will also not stop in Belleville and Kingston.
Malette stated this decision was made without consultation and will have ‘significant repercussions’ in the Quinte region.
He stated this passenger service is extremely vital for travel to essential daily activities and connecting easily to larger urban centres.
Malette says he has reached out to the federal Minister of Transport to advocate for a reversal of this decision.
(BROCK ORMOND)
