Reaction is swift to Via adjusting service in Northumberland

File photo.

By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

Via Rail is adjusting its early morning passenger rail service in Cobourg and Port Hope next month. The current service leaves Cobourg at 7:35 a.m. and Port Hope at 7:44 a.m., arriving in Toronto at 8:48 a.m.. Now the train will arrive in Toronto after 9 a.m. effective October 25.

“Train 641 service will end, but passengers will continue to have an early-morning option to Toronto on Train 41, which will depart Ottawa earlier at 4:56 a.m. and arrive in Toronto at 9:37 a.m.,” Via said in a statement.

Reaction was swift as MP Phillip Lawrence said on social media that Via’s move was disappointing. “I am very, very disappointed in this decision. We all fought so hard to bring back train 651 years ago, and we were successful thanks to the advocacy of members of our community.

So we’re going to do it again. If you are a regular user of train 641, please contact my office and share your experiences. I will bring your voice directly to executives at VIA,” he explained.

Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland said the decision was unacceptable.“For many Cobourg residents, VIA Rail is not simply a convenience; it is an important connection to employment, education, family and opportunity,” said Cleveland. “On behalf of Cobourg Council, I say this decision being taken by VIA is beyond unacceptable for commuters along this vital transportation corridor.”