Lack of meaningful Passenger Rail service outside the Quebec-Windsor Corridor

[micheal_can]

Do people have to be Toronto-bound to be considered "commuting to work"? I suspect that more Midland/Penetang residents work in Barrie or Orillia that the GTA (although apparently they don't want to take the bus to do it). Georgian College and RVH are two of Barrie's largest employers - and the buses stop there.

It is not about having to be, but, if the goal is one day an extension of the line then having some heading south of Barrie would be a draw.

Another thing to consider is by not going all the way to the downtown bus terminal, it is not even a draw for those commuting to Barrie for work. Tome,these routes feel more like a glorified school bus than much else.

 

[micheal_can]

During the summer, correct me if I am wrong, but Via runs all their equipment that can run.

During the winter, they pair back the consists. I understand some of that is for maintenance while others are simply a cost savings. If a particular LDR gets sold out during the winter, would Via add more to the consist?

 

[micheal_can]

Renewed hope for return of Algoma passenger train

After more than a decade, there is renewed hope for the Bear Train's return to northern Algoma as updated plans about service from the Sault

northernontario.ctvnews.ca

 

[lenaitch]

Renewed hope for return of Algoma passenger train

After more than a decade, there is renewed hope for the Bear Train's return to northern Algoma as updated plans about service from the Sault

northernontario.ctvnews.ca

I sure hope the people who are going to be the target of the business case see some economic merit in it - I certainly don't. I'd be interested in seeing what they claim for a revenue stream.

 

[micheal_can]

I sure hope the people who are going to be the target of the business case see some economic merit in it - I certainly don't. I'd be interested in seeing what they claim for a revenue stream.

I am guessing it is similar to those that use the Sudbury - White River train. There really are no towns along the way,besides SSM. With it not able to get to Oba, it won't connect to the Canadian as it will only be extended to Oba Lake, which is south of Oba.

 

[lenaitch]

I am guessing it is similar to those that use the Sudbury - White River train. There really are no towns along the way,besides SSM. With it not able to get to Oba, it won't connect to the Canadian as it will only be extended to Oba Lake, which is south of Oba.

You know the only reason White River-Sudbury service exists because it is mandated. Without that protection I suspect it would have been discontinued decades ago. At least it connects two places that are, well, places.

 

[micheal_can]

You know the only reason White River-Sudbury service exists because it is mandated. Without that protection I suspect it would have been discontinued decades ago. At least it connects two places that are, well, places.

Oh I know how little it is needed in the grand scheme of things. I compare it to an 8xx series highway in Ontario. They are used, but they are mainly bush roads that are likely not even paved. That train does not make the trip from Chapleau or White River to Sudbury any quicker, but it gives people access to the back country.

So, if we look at a SSM - Oba Lake train, it will provide a reliable route into the back country in the area. If it were available, 2-3 RDCs would likely be sufficient for the foreseeable future. Not sure what 'modern' equipment could be used, especially if they cannot wye it. If there is a siding, a baggage car and a coach would be enough with 2 engines back to back to switch ends.

It will be interesting how this potential future service plays out.

 

[Islington Express Bus]

Can someone explain to me why the Sudbury/White River train exists? It seems completely pointless to me.

 

[Bordercollie]

Can someone explain to me why the Sudbury/White River train exists? It seems completely pointless to me.

Watch this.

 

[micheal_can]

Can someone explain to me why the Sudbury/White River train exists? It seems completely pointless to me.

In a short answer,many of the places that it stops, you cannot get there by any roads. So, unless they portage through a series of lakes and rivers, those places would become isolated. Whether or not that is a good enough reason to keep is would be a different discussion.

 

[lenaitch]

Can someone explain to me why the Sudbury/White River train exists? It seems completely pointless to me.

The short answer is, the federal government tells it to and funds it to as part of its 'regional and remote services' mandate, similar to, say, the northern Quebec of Jasper-Prince Rupert services.

I don't know the definitive history but I suspect that when Canadian service was moved from CP (which this train traverses) to CN, it left some rail dependent settlements stranded. I supposed they could have said, and still could say at some point, 'too bad - so sad'. That's what happened when Algoma Central/Wisconsin Central/CN (I forget who owned it at the time) cancelled to SSM-Hearst passenger train. It wasn't a VIA service but did receive federal funding, which was pulled.