Less than two weeks after Via Rail chose to end service to Guildwood and Malton stations, the company says it will stop in Scarborough, after all.
Via revealed the reversal in a statement on its website Friday, saying it “recognizes the importance of reliable rail transportation that connects communities and serves passengers across Canada, including in the Scarborough community.”
“As part of this commitment, VIA Rail will remain in touch with community leaders to discuss the situation and assess feedback,” the statement reads.
“In the meantime, Via Rail will operate in accordance with its winter schedule, continuing to service Guildwood Station.”
The rail company said on Sept. 16 that it would no longer serve Guildwood and Malton stations beginning Oct. 25, and that service along the Ottawa-Toronto corridor in places like Kingston and Cobourg, Ont., would also be affected.
Leaders, riders spoke up against service cuts
The changes drew sharp criticism from municipal leaders and riders alike.
Scarborough councillor and Toronto deputy mayor Paul Ainslie ripped the decision and called on Via to reverse it.
“Guildwood Station is not simply a train stop. It is an essential transportation asset that connects Scarborough residents to communities across Ontario and Canada,” Ainslie wrote. “Removing service would make travel less convenient, increase travel times, and reduce transportation options for thousands of residents.”
Kingston Mayor Bryan Patterson also panned the new schedule, saying the changes will result in eight fewer trains to his city.
“We can’t continue to accept the erosion of rail service in our city,” Patterson wrote.
Mayors of several municipalities wrote a joint letter to Via Rail voicing their disappointment with the cancellation of the 641 train that has served early-morning commuters along the Kingston-Toronto corridor.
Kegan Winters, a rider who has been commuting into downtown Toronto from Port Hope, Ont., said at the time that he was “super frustrated” with the cuts and said he had already stopped taking Via to work because of unreliable arrival and departure times.
