Recent content by NorthernTracks

‘Random’ OPP drug sweeps on Ontario Northland buses should never have happened, judge rules, tossing cocaine case https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/random-opp-drug-sweeps-on-ontario-northland-buses-should-never-have-happened-judge-rules-tossing/article_49f4b7c5-393d-4a00-9f99-da9500fb8336.html

Speaking of Washago, will the existing passenger facility at Washago be replaced with the one proposed by Ontario Northland? Will passengers boarding or transfering between the Northlander and the Canadian (or vice versa) have access to this new shelter?

The shelters will be more than plenty for most stops along the route. They are certainly an improvement compared to what VIA Rails provides here in Northern Ontario. The waiting facilities in White River, Longlac, Nakina, Parry Sound, Minaki, and other intermediate stops are all closed to the...

Intermediate stations will more or less have the same design. They include: Bracebridge Gravenhurst Huntsville Matheson Kirkland Lake (Swastika) South River Temagami Temiskaming Shores (New Liskeard) Washago It remains to be seen when the ones on the Newmarket Subdivision will be...

My latest column: https://northerntracks.blog/2025/10/05/resolving-problems-with-northern-transportation-requires-real-conversations/

My latest column: Resolving problems with northern transportation requires real conversations https://northerntracks.blog/2025/10/05/resolving-problems-with-northern-transportation-requires-real-conversations/

You ever ride a bus for 12+ hours, overnight no less? Not only is bus travel uncomfortable for longer distances, but it's subject to the same highway closures as cars are. As mentioned in the UIBC for the Northlander, highways in this region are subject to regular closures due to collisions...

Thanks for noticing the typo. It doesn't help that ONR didn't have annual ridership data per station at that time. VIA Rail presents it's data differently, which explains the mix-up. Regardless, it's fixed. What metrics are you using to determine what is poor ridership? If you're comparing it...

There's a government commissioned report that contradicts the narrative the Northlander was cancelled due to poor ridership. https://allaboardnorthernontariocom.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2009-ontc-ibi-northlander.jpg The annual passenger counts and on time performance data is...

My two cents: The Northlander needs to be in service before entertaining any other provincial passenger rail proposals. It's far too easy for governments and politicians to get distracted by this, that and the other. An initial business case (similar to the one completed for the Northlander)...

I can confirm that platform work is ongoing in North Bay.

Here is the Facebook post.

The Northlander will stop at Langstaff and Gormley GO stations north of Toronto. Surely there's a way to balance the interests of travelers from Beaverton and area. GO transit ended its bus service from Oshawa to Beaverton due to low demand a few years ago. There may not be a need for service...

I agree. It makes zero sense to ignore people and communities that actually want the service, regardless if they're in Northern or Central Ontario. As I point out in some of my columns, the Township of Brock (which includes Beaverton) has made a formal request to the province for a stop. It...

This isn't going to be a commuter service like GO. In an area with limited intercity transportation, the train will be a great alternative to bus travel and more affordable than flights for those who travel home during the school year.