Local politicians are voicing their displeasure over the latest changes to the VIA Rail schedule.
Starting next Monday, VIA Rail will be conducting a three-month pilot project that will see four trains travel directly between Toronto and Montreal with no stops in between. That includes Kingston.
The scheduled trains are 60/50, 61, 68, and 69 that usually operate weekdays.
In a video message on YouTube, Kingston and the Islands MP Mark Gerretsen says the decision to exclude Kingston as a stop is unacceptable.
Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson echoes Gerretsen’s sentiment saying a lot of people from Kingston take the train for their commute.
VIA Rail issued a statement saying the change in service will reduce travel time between Montreal and Toronto by 30 to 40 minutes.
Paterson says neglecting passengers who take the train from Kingston won’t help with their overall ridership.
Gerretsen says he will be taking this matter to Ottawa in hopes of convincing those in charge to change their minds.
Story by Ken Hashizume