ONR-ONTC Closure and Divestiture

By Transport Action Ontario | Intercity Rail and Bus

Feb 16

 

With the recent closure of the Northlander passenger rail service, and divestiture announcement of Ontario Northland Transportation Commission, Dr. Barry Wellar undertook research on this matter.  Dr. Wellar is Distinguished Research Fellow of Transport Action Canada.  He is principal of Wellar Consulting Ltd.

 

Dr. Wellar’s research was conducted in early 2013.  It involved sending inquiries to numerous arms of the Ontario government.  His final report found that no evidence was provided or identified to establish that methodologically sound research played a preeminent or partial role in the termination or divestment decisions.

 

The final report is titled “An Opinion as to the Extent to which the Decisions by Cabinet to Terminate The Northlander and Divest the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission are Based upon, Supported by, Justified by or are Otherwise Derived from Methodologically Sound Research”.  It can be viewed here.