Expanded bus services welcomed by rail advocates

The recent expansion of ONTC bus services is being welcomed by two rail advocate groups.

Both All Aboard Northern Ontario and All Aboard Ontario say it helps pave the way to better rail service in the future.

They say it’s the first sign of hope for northern public transportation users in a number of years.

The groups are also planning to commission a professional concept plan for developing a modernized ONTC rail passenger service on the former Northlander route from Toronto to North Bay to Cochrane, including strong bus feeder lines.

“Our consultant’s plan will lean heavily on improved ONTC bus service and other rail and bus services to deliver a comprehensive, integrated operation for that route and beyond,” says All Aboard Ontario president Robert Wightman.

“Our consultant is drawing on the precedents and experience of other successful rail services elsewhere in North America that started with bus feeders that built strong market demand by connecting with existing rail passenger routes and other public transportation services. GO Transit is a prime example,” he adds.