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?
Metrolinx
Federally funded trains increasingly unreliable in Northern Ontario
[ The Canadian ] Ever been stood up one too many times by a friend or a date? Feel like they’re just not getting the message that your needs aren’t being met? This regrettably summarizes the experience of travelling aboard VIA Rail in Northern Ontario. Between closed stations, chronically late trains and nearly no integration … Continue reading Federally funded trains increasingly unreliable in Northern Ontario
Functional rail service requires more than clever catch phrases and good intentions
Two steps forward, one step back. That’s how I’d describe the process of getting the Northlander once more on track. For nearly six years, the Ford government repeatedly stated they’re bringing back passenger rail to north-eastern Ontario. Political promises aplenty, the Tories haven’t exactly gotten the job done during their first term. Metrolinx and Ontario … Continue reading Functional rail service requires more than clever catch phrases and good intentions
Northlander train set order: A time to celebrate or remain vigilant?
The Government of Ontario may have finally taken its first real tangible step forward to make passenger rail service in the northeast a reality. The Associate Minister of Transportation, Stan Cho, and his ministerial colleagues — Victor Fedeli (MPP for Nipissing), George Pirie (Timmins) and Graydon Smith (Parry Sound-Muskoka) — were among those who announced … Continue reading Northlander train set order: A time to celebrate or remain vigilant?
Carrot dangling the return of train service
[ Ontario Northland Test Train near Powassan ] Is the government truly committed to "Get it done"? "To the people of Northeastern Ontario, you have my word. We will bring the Northlander back to Timmins and Cochrane" said Premier Ford during his swearing-in ceremony at Queen's Park this summer. Folks, this could only mean one … Continue reading Carrot dangling the return of train service
The return of passenger rail is moving forward … at a snail’s pace
[ Englehart ONR Station ] If a political promise is made in Northern Ontario, but there's nobody around to see it through, does it still mean we get a passenger train back? The provincial government made an announcement regarding the return of passenger rail service between Timmins, North Bay and Toronto. On the surface, this … Continue reading The return of passenger rail is moving forward … at a snail’s pace
Smoke and mirrors checking the choo-choo tracks
There was a lot of hype and publicity surrounding Ontario Northland's most recent test train to measure transit times between North Bay and Toronto. For the first time in nine years, a passenger train operated on this route with the purpose of collecting data to support the ONR's latest business case for reintroducing passenger rail … Continue reading Smoke and mirrors checking the choo-choo tracks
What is the government hiding in its passenger rail plan for the North?
[ Ontario Northland corporate office in North Bay ] Secretive ... Aloof ... Lacking Transparency ... These are just some of the terms one might use to describe the provincial government's handling of restoring passenger rail services in north-eastern Ontario. Over the span of a thousand days, various politicians, ministries and agencies of the Crown … Continue reading What is the government hiding in its passenger rail plan for 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
Connecting the North : an exercise of consistently getting it wrong
[ Abandonned Northlander Tee-Train Fleet ] The Ministry of Transportation will be publishing sometime soon the results of a passenger rail survey it conducted in the region. The government claims this is an integral part of the process of keeping people safe, providing reliable transportation options and connecting communities in the North. Politicians of all … Continue reading Connecting the North : an exercise of consistently getting it wrong
