Via Rail will cancel several Eastern Ontario stops as part of a new three-month pilot project starting Sept. 29. Trains 50, 60, 61, 68 and 69 will run non-stop between Montreal and Toronto until Dec. 21 to test faster travel times.
Communities including Kingston, Belleville, Cobourg, Oshawa, Guildwood, Cornwall, and Brockville will lose key morning service. Some passengers may be rebooked on later trains, but only if space allows.
The change sparked backlash from riders and local leaders, who say the cuts were made without proper consultation. University of Ottawa professor David Murakami Wood, who relies on Train 50 from Kingston, called the move “dishonest.”
MP Mark Gerretsen, MPP Ted Hsu, and Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson have raised concerns. Via Rail says it will review customer feedback and ridership before deciding if the pilot continues.
Critics warn the cuts hurt commuters and contradict climate-friendly transport goals.
