Category Archives for "Intercity Rail and Bus"

Feb 15

Rethinking Rail Discontinuance Policies – Rail Bank Needed

By Transport Action Ontario | Intercity Rail and Bus , Latest News

The loss of rail corridors in Canada, due to service discontinuances by CN, CP or short line owners or operators continues to be a serious problem. Recent examples in Ontario include the Orangeville-Brampton Railway (OBRY) and potentially the Barrie-Collingwood Railway (BCRY). Loss of these corridors affects supply chain redundancy and potential future re-use for freight or passenger movement.

Transport Action Canada and Transport Action Ontario have written Federal Minister of Transport Rodriguez urging a rethink of Canada’s rail discontinuance policies, including establishing a formal rail ban, as in many US states.

Our letter can be viewed below.

A CN freight train carrying comdities to export leaves Jasper while VIA Rail's Canadian makes its station stop.
Feb 05

Federal Consultation on National Supply Chain

By Transport Action Ontario | Intercity Rail and Bus

The federal government is conducting consultations on regulatory changes to improve Canada’s national supply chain. Transport Action Ontario and Transport Action Canada had previously jointly submitted comments in October, 2022 (see posting on this website) on the final report of the National Supply Chain Task Force, endorsing that report as a valid critique and solid basis from which to act. For this latest consultation, we have reiterated those points and updated them.

Our submission can be viewed below:

Jan 26

Submission to Ontario 2024 Budget Consultation

By Transport Action Ontario | Intercity Rail and Bus , Latest News , Northern Ontario , Southwestern Ontario , Urban Transit

The Ontario government is conducting public consultations leading up to its 2024 Budget, expected in March, 2024. Transport Action Ontario has made a written submission on public transportation needs, with eight recommendations:

  • Make Community Transportation Grants permanent
  • Use a partnership approach on regional passenger rail outside the Greater Golden Horseshoe
  • Work with CN to upgrade track for new “Northlander” train
  • Support shortline rail with track maintenance tax credit
  • Introduce provincial banking of discontinued rail corridors, i.e. “rail bank”
  • Do a deep dive into capital costs and procurement model for rapid transit in Ontario
  • Cancel Highway 413
  • Scope new revenue tools for municipal government, and on congestion/road pricing

Our submission can be viewed below.

Dec 27

Ontario Budget 2024: Shortline Track Maintenance Credit

By Transport Action Ontario | Intercity Rail and Bus

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) has initiated a campaign to urge Ontario to create a Shortline Track Maintenance Tax Credit in Budget 2024, similar to what has been adopted in other jurisdictions.

Transport Action Ontario has long supported the idea of government support of shortline railways, which perform an essential role in economic activity and environmental sustainability. We are pleased to support this campaign. Our letter to the provincial government is attached below.

Dec 24

MTO Southwestern Ontario Transportation Plan – Input to second Technical Advisory Committee Meeting

By Transport Action Ontario | Highways and Bridges , Intercity Rail and Bus , Southwestern Ontario

As discussed in our posting of June 5, 2023, MTO has set up a Technical Advisory Committee, led by Arcadis/IBI, to further develop its draft Southwestern Ontario Transportation Plan.

The Tenchical Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 6, 2023.

Transport Action Ontario again participated actively in this meeting and subsequently provided detailed comments. These can be viewed below.

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