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
Thunder Bay
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
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
Hollowed out rail services hamper northern travelers
[ White River VIA Station ] Can the federal government, Transport Canada and VIA Rail make travel through Northern Ontario anymore complicated? I'm asking for a friend, because public transportation in this region clearly wasn't designed for ordinary people needing to get from point A to point B. To begin with, VIA doesn't connect any … Continue reading Hollowed out rail services hamper northern travelers
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
ONTC, VIA neglecting Northerners
[ White River VIA Station platform, 2021 ] "Connecting the North", "A more humane way to travel" and "Love the Way" are just some of the marketing catch phrases used by Ontario Northland and VIA Rail Canada to attract and entice customers. Whether by bus, train or a combination of the two modes, these publicly … Continue reading ONTC, VIA neglecting Northerners
Northern Ontario : More isolated than ever
An open letter to the management and customer relations department of VIA Rail Canada I wanted to provide some feedback regarding the negative impacts I have felt as a result of VIA's decision to reduce passenger train service in Northern Ontario and the need to restore it immediately. Over the last year and half, travellers … Continue reading Northern Ontario : More isolated than ever
Le Nord de l’Ontario : plus isolé que jamais
Une lettre ouverte à l'équipe de gestion et du service à la clientèle de VIA Rail CanadaJe vous fais parvenir mes commentaires entourant l’absence de certaines fréquences de vos trains dans le Nord de l’Ontario et du besoin de les remettre en service immédiatement. Au cours de la dernière année et demie, des voyageurs comme … Continue reading Le Nord de l’Ontario : plus isolé que jamais
