While Bay of Quinte MP Ryan Williams is pleased that VIA Rail is reinstating early morning rail service to the region, he says there is disappointment that Train 641 will not make a stop in Quinte West.
Train 641, which will leave Belleville at 7 a.m. Monday to Thursday will begin service on May 27.
Williams says, “Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison always says, ‘Quinte West is the best’ and we are trying to make sure they are not overlooked. Right now, commuters are left standing on the platform because VIA Rail Train 641 will not be stopping at the Trenton station.”
Williams says he reached out to VIA officials for clarification and was told that with a departure from Ottawa at 4:19 a.m., the schedule is too tight for a stop at every station and still arrive in Toronto before 9 a.m.
VIA Rail says Train 41, leaving Ottawa at 5:25 a.m. will have a new stop in Trenton scheduled at 8:23 a.m. for an arrival in Toronto at 10 am.
VIA Rail reps also assured MP Williams they are meeting with Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison next week to discuss the situation.
