The Ontario government introduced the first of three new Northlander passenger trains on Thursday, signaling progress towards reinstating rail service between northern Ontario and Toronto. Premier Doug Ford expressed the importance of reconnecting communities from Cochrane and Timmins to downtown Toronto through the revived Northlander service, emphasizing its role as a vital link to employment, education, and social connections.
The Northlander service was terminated in 2012 by the previous Liberal government due to high operational expenses and low ridership, prompting a shift to bus transportation. However, during his 2018 election campaign, Ford promised to revive the Northlander service. Recently, the province acquired three new trainsets comprising one locomotive and three passenger cars for $139.5 million, with projected annual ridership estimated to reach between 40,000 and 60,000 passengers by 2041.
The upcoming Northlander route will span approximately 740 kilometers between Toronto’s Union Station and Timmins, with planned stops at 16 locations and a connection to Cochrane. The journey is anticipated to take around 10 to 11 hours, boasting amenities such as accessible seating, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and charging outlets.
Following completion of testing and commissioning in Toronto, the trains will undergo further trials in the north before commencing service later in 2026, as per Premier Ford. The total cost of the Northlander’s reinstatement and ticket pricing are still undisclosed. Operating costs are forecasted to amount to about $283 million annually, with potential revenues of up to $93 million if ridership reaches around 58,000 passengers by 2041, based on a 2022 business case.
In comparison, the Northlander served approximately 39,000 passengers in 2011 before its cancellation, necessitating a $100 million annual subsidy for operation. Local officials, like Kirkland Lake Mayor Stacy Wight, anticipate the train’s return to facilitate easier travel for families with university students in southern Ontario. Wight highlighted the convenience and safety benefits the revived service will bring to residents of the North.