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12/16/2022
The Ontario government yesterday announced the purchase of three new trainsets as part of its plan to restore Ontario Northland Transportation Commission's Northlander passenger-rail service.
The CA$139.5 million investment is a milestone in reinstating service between Timmins and Toronto, and in "unlocking the full economic potential of northern industries, resources and minerals," Ontario officials said in a press release.
Siemens Mobility Ltd. will build the trainsets, which will meet U.S. Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) Tier 4 emission standards. The fully accessible fleet will feature built-in wheelchair lifts, mobility aid storage spaces, galley style food services and fully accessible washrooms.
"The reinstatement of passenger-rail service will ensure access to essential services like health care and education, while supporting economic prosperity and tourism in the region," said Ontario Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney.
The Ontario Northland Transportation Commission’s Northlander passenger-rail service was discontinued in 2012. In April, the commission released an updated initial business case, which included a preferred route from Toronto to Timmins with a rail connection to Cochrane.
Commission and province officials have targeted a mid-2020s timeframe for reinstating the service, which will be offered four to seven days a week based on seasonal travel demands.