{"id":67011,"date":"2024-05-13T08:00:06","date_gmt":"2024-05-13T12:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/?p=67011"},"modified":"2024-05-13T04:35:19","modified_gmt":"2024-05-13T08:35:19","slug":"functional-rail-service-requires-more-than-clever-catch-phrases-and-good-intentions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/index.php\/2024\/05\/13\/functional-rail-service-requires-more-than-clever-catch-phrases-and-good-intentions\/","title":{"rendered":"Functional rail service requires more than clever catch phrases and good intentions"},"content":{"rendered":"
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An Ontario Northland Test Train near Powassan – photo : \u00c9ric Boutilier<\/p><\/div>\n

Two steps forward, one step back. That\u2019s how I\u2019d describe the process of getting the Northlander once more on track.<\/p>\n

For nearly six years, the Ford government repeatedly stated they\u2019re bringing back passenger rail to north-eastern Ontario. Political promises aplenty, the Tories haven\u2019t exactly gotten the job done during their first term.<\/p>\n

Metrolinx and Ontario Northland (ONTC) eventually completed initial and updated initial business cases, track audits, as well as purchase new rolling stock.<\/p>\n

Feedback was also received on the type of service passengers want and on the new Timmins-Porcupine Station design.<\/p>\n

They\u2019re currently working on building station shelters elsewhere along the route.<\/p>\n

The government claims the Northlander will fundamentally shift how people move across the province by creating a more connected, integrated transportation network<\/em> once re-launched.<\/p>\n

Will it happen before the next provincial election? We\u2019re two years removed and still in the public engagement stage of planning.<\/p>\n

If you ask me, the jury is still out on whether this train will be designed with ordinary people in mind.<\/p>\n

The previous Northlander had its shortcomings:<\/p>\n