The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) has released the findings of its recent survey addressing the "unique transportation needs of people, Indigenous communities and businesses along the rail corridor between Toronto, North Bay and Cochrane/Timmins."
In 2018, the current provincial government made a campaign promise to restore passenger rail service along the Toronto-North Bay-Cochrane/Timmins corridor.
"Vic has reiterated to me on a number of occasions his commitment to get this done over his term," said passenger rail advocate Eric Boutilier in October 2018, three months following the Ontario PC election win.
In seeking feedback, the MTO observed, "We are planning for a better multi-modal transportation system along the rail corridor, including improvements to bus and train service in the region." The survey results include responses from more than 7,200 people.
Topics covered include the respondents' regional travel behaviour, their transportation options, and previous use of northeastern rail with survey questions designed to "understand needs and travel patterns along the corridor, including the purpose of trips, mode of transportation, frequency of travel and preferences for departure times, train frequency, travel time, and costs."
A sampling of the survey answers:
Respondents were asked about their experiences using the Northlander service in its last two years of operation:
- 56% of respondents said they used the previous service, of which 41% rode it once or twice, and 40% rode it a few times a year
- of the 8.3% of respondents that self-identified as Indigenous, 69% reported riding the previous Northlander service
When asked for reasons why they used the Northlander service:
- 66% indicated to work, read or entertain themselves while traveling
- 63% identified concerns traveling in winter road conditions
- 50% indicated a preference for travel by train
- 49% indicated a desire to avoid road traffic
- 36% disliked driving for long-distances
Of the 44% of respondents that did not make use of the Northlander in its last two years of operation:
- 38% indicated that the departure hours were not a good fit with their schedule
- 17% indicated travel time was too long
- 15% indicated ticket fares were too high
- 15% indicated the travel time was unreliable
Next steps for the survey data includes the MTO exploring "options to reintroduce passenger rail service along the rail corridor and help guide efforts to improve the transportation system in northeastern Ontario."
For the full survey results, click here.
Passenger rail advocates have been monitoring the situation closely for years.
See related story from 2018: Passenger rail revival plan rolling out this fall
In December 2020, when the MTO unveiled its Connecting the North: A Draft Transportation Plan for Northern Ontario, rail advocates again accused the Ford government of dragging its feet on the passenger railway file.
See also: (Opinion) Passenger rail policies: procrastination over progress
And: (Opinion) Fedeli has dug himself into a pit with endless promises on rail passenger service
Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli has said the transportation plan is "especially exciting for Nipissing. Dependable and efficient passenger rail has long been awaited."
However, in January, Fedeli lowered expectations for a speedy restoration of passenger rail service in the north by indicating the government would not be rushed into action.
"We're going to do it right," he said.
The MTO echoed Fedeli's statements, with, "Our government is committed to identifying opportunities for a modern, sustainable transportation system in the north. We’re working diligently on this. We want to get this right and we will not take shortcuts."
In January, North Bay City Council weighed in on the subject by passing a resolution asking Premier Ford and Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney to restore passenger rail by the 2022 election while also seeking contributions from the federal government.
See: Council to province: 'Give us a date' for passenger train return
The resolution has been forwarded seeking the support of MPP Fedeli, MP Anthony Rota, and the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities.
Meanwhile, the MTO confirmed it has received the initial business case for Northeastern passenger rail but there is still no firm timeline to report.
"We are making progress on our plan for passenger rail service in the North. We are working with the ONTC to speed up work on a track audit on a section of the North Bay corridor."
