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Is your train commute off the rails?
Eastern Ontario municipalities seek public input to build case for
restoration of commuter train services to GTA

Alerts/Notices Community and Human Services COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness EOWC/EORN General Long Term Care Paramedic Services Planning & Development Warden & County Council

Categories: General

Posted On: July 8, 2022

Hastings County – July 8, 2022 – Eastern Ontario is growing. Now more than ever,
commuters need fast, reliable, and sustainable regional transit options. That is why
Eastern Ontario municipal partners are building the case for why VIA Rail must restore
commuter Train 651 – a vital transit link between this region and the Greater Toronto
Area. Community members are being asked to support this initiative by completing a
short survey by August 5, 2022.
“The province is reopening, and people are returning to the office. With the rising cost of
fuel, and environmental sustainability a growing concern, there is a critical need for
regional transit options,” states Warden Rick Phillips. “As we plan for the liveable,
competitive, and sustainable communities of the future, Eastern Ontario needs VIA Rail
Train 651 restored. We encourage residents to help us build the case for this service by
completing our brief survey about the need and opportunity for commuter train services
for the Kingston-to-Toronto corridor.”
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, VIA Rail commuter Train 651 serviced the Kingstonto-
Toronto corridor, conveying workers to jobs in the GTA, along with other riders.
Following a drop in ridership during the pandemic, VIA announced the cancellation of
this train along with other services. Affordability for commuters is now also at risk
following the suspension of the VIA Rail Pass program.
As the province reopens, Eastern Ontario municipalities have joined together to build
the case for why VIA Rail must #CommitToCommuters and restore these essential
services. To help get the morning commute back on track, community members are
encouraged to complete a 3-minute survey at
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OnTrackCommute

Rick Phillips, Warden 613-922-6473 warden@hastingscounty.com

Jim Pine, CAO 613-922-1212 pinej@hastingscounty.com