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. Procrast…
northerntracks.blog
I have a few things about this.
Your questions on the return of the Northlander:
Will the Northlander have priority access on the privately owned Canadian National Railway south of North Bay?
It is safe to assume that between North Bay and Washago, they will be given priority status. Beyond that, time will tell.
Will the train face the same delays plaguing VIA Rail’s new fleet when entering any of CN’s railroad crossings?
Since they will not be traveling at 90 mph on that route, we can assume that they will still need to slow. down to be safe, but, due to that slower speed, the delays may be minimal. Hopefully, the province pays for the shunts needed to prevent that.
What’s the province’s plan to ensure passengers have practical last mile connections to their final destination?
None. The timings do not match what most local transit runs at. There is a good chance that any stations that can be served by taxi will have one sitting waiting for the train, or at least a way to call them. This schedule is based on times the citizens of Northern ON want.
When will construction begin on the Timmins-Porcupine* station?
As I understand it, construction has begun. Someone in the Timmins area can speak more on that.
When will shelters, destined for Almaguin, Muskoka and Timiskaming regions, be installed?
No idea, but all those need is a concrete pad and a quick install. They are not things that take that long. If it is to return fall 2026, those stations buildings could be built in the summer of 2026.
Finally, why is the government turning away potential riders in Beaverton; a community that has publically expressed interest in having a stop?
That is a great question that hopefully, the province answers.
As far as the rest.
Train 185/186:
Train replacement:
There were rumours that Via was going to take some of the 'better' cars from the Corridor to use on this route. If these rumours were true, then with the issues with the CN crossings and lengthening the existing Siemens trains, it is safe to assume they cannot do that, yet. So, it may not be ~10 years, but it still may be a wait.
Terminal.
My hope is that the Northlander return spurs real passenger rail investment in Northern ON. My fantasy is 2 more lines. One that extends the 185/186 to Winnipeg/Toronto and a separate line going from North Bay/Toronto -Sudbury - SSM - Thunder Bay/Winnipeg. I feel if any of these will happen we either need real investment in Via, or, the province must see the Northlander as a benefit and sees adding more passenger rail in Northern ON worth it. At this point, the return of the Northlander will be a great start.
