Prince Edward County is calling on Via Rail and the Federal Minister of Transportation to restore train service to previous levels, and work to improve rail service.
During Tuesday’s council meeting, Councillor Kate McNaughton proposed the motion after train schedule adjustments that took effect late in October resulted in fewer trains across the Quebec to Windsor corridor. In her motion, Councillor MacNaughton cited the importance of rail transit for travellers and highlighted the negative effects the reduction in service could have such as increased highway congestion.
Speaking about the motion, Councillor MacNaughton said that those who commute using the train could be seriously affected by the cancellation of an early morning train route.
“It impacts us, and it impacts all of the municipalities on the eastern Ontario Highway 401 Via Rail adjacent route,” said Councillor MacNaughton. “I think we should be looking at stronger rail service, not weaker rail service for our region.”
Council voted to approve the motion without debate, with copies of the motion being sent to Prime Minister Mark Carney, Federal Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon, Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette, and President and Chief Executive Officer of VIA Rail Canada Mathieu Paquette, along with all 444 Municipalities in Ontario.
