Last Updated on October 18, 2025 by YGK News Staff
After backlash from Kingston and other communities in eastern Ontario forced VIA Rail to postpone a decision that would see services in Kingston cut dramatically, with the rail line focusing on streamlining rides between Montréal and Toronto.
While the proposed “Express Route” was set to launch as a three month pilot on September 29, it was postponed just weeks after announcement with VIA rail citing delays caused by CN operational complaints.
The company’s choice to postpone as opposed to suspend or cancel plans altogether has left customers in communities including Kingston, Oshawa, Belleville worried about what might happen to the rides they rely.
On Tuesday night, Mayor Bryan Paterson presented a motion to council that would call for VIA rail to be stronger in their commitment to Kingston, by not only promising to maintain existing service levels, but to increase what’s available in the area.
He said the choices they’re making are working in the wrong direction.
“Even with the status quo, I don’t think that we should be satisfied with that status quo,” Paterson said.
“I see so much potential for what rail service could be to and from Kingston… I feel there’s a failure of an ambitious vision for rail service that I think would very much have the potential to transform a lot of travel through Eastern Ontario.”
Paterson said specifically that there’s a great opportunity to add a late train from Toronto, as he knows members of the community would like an option to get back to Kingston from events within the city where they’re currently limited.
He added that the city has committed to surveying the community on potential usage, and is hopeful that VIA will meet them halfway and take a step forward as well.
Councillors expressed frustration with VIA looking to boost ridership, yet decreasing options for customers saying that it just doesn’t make sense.
While customers ride options are seemingly up in the air, the company is still making efforts to try to attract clients in Kingston.
Brandon Tozzo said the uncertainty has done a number on the community.
“What are they thinking?” Tozzo said.
The chaos that this has brought on to the community cannot be understated, because people don’t know what services we’re going to get a week from now, two weeks from now.”
The controversy is just another issue VIA is currently facing, as the company also has been required to pay out $31 million in travel vouchers
If VIA Rail’s service reductions go through, Trains 60/50, 61, 68, and 69 would no longer stop in Kingston.
