Local officials from London, Ontario, and surrounding counties are gearing up to advocate for better passenger rail service in their region during an upcoming meeting with the Ontario government in Toronto. The focus is on enhancing the current rail service to and from London and utilizing the city as a central hub for improved connectivity.
Representatives from Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford counties will collaborate with London at the Rural Ontario Municipalities (ROMA) Conference beginning on January 18 to present a unified front in lobbying for enhanced rail service. The objective is to address the longstanding need for faster and more frequent passenger rail options in the area.
One of the primary challenges hindering the advancement of this plan is the condition of existing railway tracks and the fact that they are owned by CN Rail, which gives priority to freight trains. This has resulted in a decline in on-time performance for Via Rail services, with only 51% of trains meeting schedule in 2024, dropping to 33% in the third quarter of 2025.
Recent issues, such as speed restrictions at rail crossings imposed by CN, have further complicated the situation, impacting passenger travel and prompting calls for a shift in prioritization towards passenger rail over freight. Despite previous attempts to address these issues through legislative measures, progress has been impeded by various factors.
The push for improved passenger rail service is not only about convenience for travelers but is also seen as crucial for the economic development of the region. The London Chamber of Commerce has thrown its support behind the initiative, emphasizing the potential benefits of dedicated passenger rail, including improved access to talent, educational opportunities, and overall productivity.
While plans for a high-speed rail network connecting Toronto to Quebec City have been unveiled by the government, there is a notable absence of focus on the Toronto to Windsor section of the corridor. The upcoming meeting at ROMA presents an opportunity for local officials to collaborate with the province in advocating for necessary investments in rail infrastructure to enhance service quality.
Although high-speed rail may not be immediately feasible, interim measures to address speed limitations in passenger rail travel could be explored to provide immediate relief and pave the way for future improvements. The collective effort to prioritize passenger rail over freight transportation underscores the importance of sustainable and efficient public transportation systems for the region’s growth and prosperity.