Ontario launches northeastern public transportation survey

TORONTO — The Ontario government is launching an online survey in an effort to seek public opinion on potential improvements to rail and bus transportation between Toronto, North Bay, Timmins and Cochrane.  

Responses to the northeastern Ontario transportation survey will be used to explore options for passenger rail services and help inform the future transportation plan for northern Ontario, stated a recent release.

Suggested input includes comments on departure times, train frequency, travel time and cost considerations. The survey is seeding feedback from individuals, municipalities, Indigenous communities, businesses and industry, with the deadline for submissions Nov. 20.

Through 2020-21, Ontario will spending $625 million to expand and repair northern highways, the release noted. The rail corridor from Toronto to Cochrane is home to over 3.1 million people.

“We’re inviting everyone, particularly in northeastern Ontario, to take our survey and help build a transportation network that works for their needs,” said Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney in a statement. “The feedback we receive will be an important component to improving transportation options for northern communities and supporting economic growth in the north.”