Council calls on VIA Rail to preserve and improve Kingston rail service

By Christena Lawrie, CFRC's Broadcast Journalist and Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

Council is urging VIA Rail to maintain and improve passenger rail service through the city following a series of recent changes to the company’s plans.

In September, VIA announced it would reduce the number of trains stopping in Kingston and other corridor communities to make way for a new non-stop Toronto–Montreal express. The company postponed the cuts soon after the announcement.

At Tuesday night’s meeting, Mayor Bryan Paterson introduced a motion calling on VIA Rail to maintain existing service levels and commit to a forward-thinking plan for future upgrades and more reliable schedules.

Council voted unanimously in favour, echoing frustration and confusion over VIA Rail’s recent decisions.

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