The Government of Ontario and the Federal Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities have recently made headlines regarding announcements and discussions held on the topic of passenger rail in Northern Ontario. In March, the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission purchased 205 kilometres of track between North Bay and Washago. The public now owns this strategic … Continue reading Trust in trains, government institutions requires public oversight
Canada
La transparence, un élément essentiel pour préserver la confiance dans nos institutions et nos trains
Le gouvernement de l’Ontario et le Comité permanent des transports, de l’infrastructure et des collectivités ont récemment fait les manchettes par rapport à des annonces et des discussions entourant les trains de passagers dans le Nord de l’Ontario. En début mars, la Commission de transport Ontario Northland a acheté 205 kilomètres de voie ferrée entre … Continue reading La transparence, un élément essentiel pour préserver la confiance dans nos institutions et nos trains
Resolving problems with northern transportation requires real conversations
If you could look into a crystal ball to see into the future, what questions would you want answered relative to how people get from A to B in Northern Ontario? Would you ask what makes for an efficient, affordable and well-utilized transportation system that meets the needs of ordinary travelers? How about finding out … Continue reading Resolving problems with northern transportation requires real conversations
Train service interruptions and delays create a climate of uncertainty
It’s been said that in life, there are three constants: job insecurity, taxes, and governments’ inability to provide or reinstate passenger rail in Northern Ontario within a timely manner. Procrastinating politicians, routine cancellations, and the use of rolling stock well past its best before date are just some of the issues that continue to inconvenience … Continue reading Train service interruptions and delays create a climate of uncertainty
Politicians, pencil-pushers turning a blind eye to travel difficulties in the North
Poor public transit policies put passengers at risk Pop quiz: What do matchmaking websites, slot machines and Canadian passenger trains have in common? There’s an element of chance any time you go to use one. The deck is seriously stacked against those who rely on public transportation to get around Northern Ontario — especially when … Continue reading Politicians, pencil-pushers turning a blind eye to travel difficulties in the North
Will transportation woes ever be fixed in Canada and Ontario?
Recent developments are a mixed bag for travellers The American industrialist and business magnate Henry Ford once responded “You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do” when asked about his professional achievements. It's a fitting analogy to describe how Parliament Hill and Queen's Park continue to sputter when attempting to run, … Continue reading Will transportation woes ever be fixed in Canada and Ontario?
The politics and precarious nature of travel in the North
The familiar sound of a passenger train can once again be heard in areas of Northern Ontario that are served by VIA Rail Canada. The Crown corporation officially restored passenger rail services to pre-pandemic levels after more than two years of on again, off again, limited or indefinitely suspended train schedules. Life appears to have … Continue reading The politics and precarious nature of travel in the North
A tale of two transit systems
[ LEFT : GO Test Train at Gormley GO Station — Photo : Metrolinx | RIGHT : North Bay ONR Station ] The Ministry of Transportation has finally unveiled the results of its northeastern Ontario rail corridor survey. Unsurprisingly, two thirds of respondents indicate they would use a future rail service if provided with an … Continue reading A tale of two transit systems
