Transport Action Canada
@transportaction.ca
Advocacy for better public transport across Canada. Bringing people together by bus, train, ferry, and bicycle.
The public consultation sessions for Alto HSR start next week and proposal details are now live on their website:
en.consultation.altotrain.ca/shaping-the-...
en.consultation.altotrain.ca/shaping-the-...
Shaping the Canada of tomorrow with high-speed rail
The train we need Alto’s aim is to build the country’s first high-speed rail network that will run at speeds of 300 km/h or more to efficiently connect major cities in the Toronto–Québec City…
en.consultation.altotrain.ca
January 15, 2026 at 12:14 AM
The public consultation sessions for Alto HSR start next week and proposal details are now live on their website:
en.consultation.altotrain.ca/shaping-the-...
en.consultation.altotrain.ca/shaping-the-...
Details matter, but we think the overall plan for the return of the Northlander is good and look forward to the resumption of service.
www.muskokaregion.com/news/muskoka...
www.muskokaregion.com/news/muskoka...
Muskoka tourism official has ‘devilish’ take on Ontario Northlander’s impending return
Uncertainties surrounding pricing, start dates, and operational details still remain.
www.muskokaregion.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:41 PM
Details matter, but we think the overall plan for the return of the Northlander is good and look forward to the resumption of service.
www.muskokaregion.com/news/muskoka...
www.muskokaregion.com/news/muskoka...
We are aware of the derailment of train 14 last night and relieved that all passengers and crew are safe. Thank you to VIA Rail’s staff for your professionalism in handling this incident and we look forward to an investigation by the Transportation Safety Board.
January 12, 2026 at 9:06 PM
We are aware of the derailment of train 14 last night and relieved that all passengers and crew are safe. Thank you to VIA Rail’s staff for your professionalism in handling this incident and we look forward to an investigation by the Transportation Safety Board.
More expensive elevators also contribute to transit project cost escalation in North America.
January 12, 2026 at 7:22 PM
More expensive elevators also contribute to transit project cost escalation in North America.
BRTs often use 60’ bendy buses, which do not handle very well in snow. BC Transit’s double deckers in Victoria also get stuck quite easily in snow. Designing for our climate and rapid snow clearance are crucial for buses too. BRT is useful but rail—done right—is generally more climate resilient.
January 12, 2026 at 6:22 PM
BRTs often use 60’ bendy buses, which do not handle very well in snow. BC Transit’s double deckers in Victoria also get stuck quite easily in snow. Designing for our climate and rapid snow clearance are crucial for buses too. BRT is useful but rail—done right—is generally more climate resilient.
Climate is a factor to consider in system engineering, not an excuse for inept project delivery nor for failing to keep on top of investments in repairs and resilience as the climate changes.
Changchun and Saint Petersburg also have functioning tram networks.
Changchun and Saint Petersburg also have functioning tram networks.
January 12, 2026 at 5:52 PM
Climate is a factor to consider in system engineering, not an excuse for inept project delivery nor for failing to keep on top of investments in repairs and resilience as the climate changes.
Changchun and Saint Petersburg also have functioning tram networks.
Changchun and Saint Petersburg also have functioning tram networks.
So many things should have been done in the Union Station renovation that were not done, including Hugh platforms for VIA Rail and future provision for VIA HFR/Alto HSR. Some of them are still fixable, for a price of course.
January 12, 2026 at 3:41 PM
So many things should have been done in the Union Station renovation that were not done, including Hugh platforms for VIA Rail and future provision for VIA HFR/Alto HSR. Some of them are still fixable, for a price of course.
Work to bring Amtrak through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel is ongoing, check out this episode of "Talking Michigan Transportation" for an update:
talkingmitransportation.buzzsprout.com/1374205/epis...
talkingmitransportation.buzzsprout.com/1374205/epis...
An update on MDOT’s work with Michigan Central and rail service to Toronto - Talking Michigan Transportation
On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation with Peter Anastor, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Office of Rail, about where…
talkingmitransportation.buzzsprout.com
January 12, 2026 at 3:02 PM
Work to bring Amtrak through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel is ongoing, check out this episode of "Talking Michigan Transportation" for an update:
talkingmitransportation.buzzsprout.com/1374205/epis...
talkingmitransportation.buzzsprout.com/1374205/epis...
North America’s roads are surprisingly dangerous, especially at locations where they cross railroad tracks.
Full gates, clear road markings, and closing the gates and confirming the crossing clear before giving movement authority to the train are all standard practice on other continents!
Full gates, clear road markings, and closing the gates and confirming the crossing clear before giving movement authority to the train are all standard practice on other continents!
January 11, 2026 at 11:43 PM
North America’s roads are surprisingly dangerous, especially at locations where they cross railroad tracks.
Full gates, clear road markings, and closing the gates and confirming the crossing clear before giving movement authority to the train are all standard practice on other continents!
Full gates, clear road markings, and closing the gates and confirming the crossing clear before giving movement authority to the train are all standard practice on other continents!
All followed, thanks for your work on this!
January 11, 2026 at 11:35 PM
All followed, thanks for your work on this!
It had taken more that a decade for these shippers to get compensation for poor railway service, despite a CTA ruling in October 2014. Canada's railway regulatory environment needs reform to properly protect both shippers and passengers.
www.princegeorgecitizen.com/regional/fed...
www.princegeorgecitizen.com/regional/fed...
Federal Court orders CN to compensate company behind Dawson Creek grain elevator
A judge awarded $21.6 million in lost profit in a Nov. 25 decision
www.princegeorgecitizen.com
January 11, 2026 at 4:30 PM
It had taken more that a decade for these shippers to get compensation for poor railway service, despite a CTA ruling in October 2014. Canada's railway regulatory environment needs reform to properly protect both shippers and passengers.
www.princegeorgecitizen.com/regional/fed...
www.princegeorgecitizen.com/regional/fed...
Reducing maintenance and customer service will store up problems for the future and turn away passengers. Canada's cities need sustainable transit funding and clear budgeting: deferred maintenance is added cost, not a saving.
www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/art...
www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/art...
STM’s 2026 budget includes cutbacks as agency pleads for more public transit funds
Montreal’s transit agency has announced more cutbacks to reduce its operating expenses and says it is delaying the rollout of new electric buses as it faces a precarious financial crunch.
www.ctvnews.ca
January 10, 2026 at 11:18 PM
Reducing maintenance and customer service will store up problems for the future and turn away passengers. Canada's cities need sustainable transit funding and clear budgeting: deferred maintenance is added cost, not a saving.
www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/art...
www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/art...
Better services to London are needed and extending HSR to Windsor/Detroit is possible, but the possibility of a dedicated line in the longer term must not stop us working to get better service on the current infrastructure in the short term.
lfpress.com/news/local-n...
lfpress.com/news/local-n...
Call for better passenger rail service backed by London chamber
The business group is backing the city's push for a dedicated rail line.
lfpress.com
January 10, 2026 at 2:16 AM
Better services to London are needed and extending HSR to Windsor/Detroit is possible, but the possibility of a dedicated line in the longer term must not stop us working to get better service on the current infrastructure in the short term.
lfpress.com/news/local-n...
lfpress.com/news/local-n...
Another reason a $50bn+ tunnel under highway 401 through Toronto might not be a very good idea:
www.wionews.com/trending/30-...
www.wionews.com/trending/30-...
30-foot-wide sinkhole opens up in Melbourne near $26bn highway tunnel project
A 30-foot-wide and 16-foot-deep sinkhole opened up on a Melbourne sports field, just near a $26bn tunnel project. The North East Link project work has been going on in the area, and people are asking…
www.wionews.com
January 7, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Another reason a $50bn+ tunnel under highway 401 through Toronto might not be a very good idea:
www.wionews.com/trending/30-...
www.wionews.com/trending/30-...
Saving this historic station alongside the reinstatement of the Northlander train service has been a tremendous example of the power of local advocacy, and we are grateful to Chad Evans and the team at Ontario Northland for halting the demolition.
www.timminstoday.com/local-news/f...
www.timminstoday.com/local-news/f...
From demolition to preservation: How Matheson residents fought to save their train station
The 1916 landmark, tied to one of the deadliest disasters in Canadian history, was slated for demolition in early 2025 as part of Ontario Northland Railway’s preparations for the return of the…
www.timminstoday.com
January 5, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Saving this historic station alongside the reinstatement of the Northlander train service has been a tremendous example of the power of local advocacy, and we are grateful to Chad Evans and the team at Ontario Northland for halting the demolition.
www.timminstoday.com/local-news/f...
www.timminstoday.com/local-news/f...
Without steady funding from our provincial and federal governments for big costs like housing, municipalities may look to cutting transit budgets and increasing fares, which is inflationary and raises the cost of living for those who can least afford it.
Transit fares are going up. Why do Canadian cities struggle to keep it affordable? | CBC News
With transit fares on the rise in a number of Canadian cities, some experts say it’s time to rethink how we fund public transportation so that lower-income riders — who rely on it the most — aren't...
www.cbc.ca
January 1, 2026 at 3:20 PM
Without steady funding from our provincial and federal governments for big costs like housing, municipalities may look to cutting transit budgets and increasing fares, which is inflationary and raises the cost of living for those who can least afford it.
A shared New Year's resolution for the Quebec and Canadian governments?
🍁 Restore VIA Rail service on the repaired Matapédia to Port-Daniel-Gascons route.
⚜️ Finish repairs all the way to Gaspé.
Sign this petition to the House of Commons:
www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en...
🍁 Restore VIA Rail service on the repaired Matapédia to Port-Daniel-Gascons route.
⚜️ Finish repairs all the way to Gaspé.
Sign this petition to the House of Commons:
www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en...
December 30, 2025 at 6:01 PM
A shared New Year's resolution for the Quebec and Canadian governments?
🍁 Restore VIA Rail service on the repaired Matapédia to Port-Daniel-Gascons route.
⚜️ Finish repairs all the way to Gaspé.
Sign this petition to the House of Commons:
www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en...
🍁 Restore VIA Rail service on the repaired Matapédia to Port-Daniel-Gascons route.
⚜️ Finish repairs all the way to Gaspé.
Sign this petition to the House of Commons:
www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en...
Une résolution conjointe pour la nouvelle année des gouvernements du Québec et du Canada ?
🍁 Rétablir le service de VIA Rail entre Matapédia et Port-Daniel-Gascons.
⚜️ Réparer la voie ferrée jusqu'à Gaspé.
Signez cette pétition à la Chambre des communes :
www.noscommunes.ca/petitions/fr...
🍁 Rétablir le service de VIA Rail entre Matapédia et Port-Daniel-Gascons.
⚜️ Réparer la voie ferrée jusqu'à Gaspé.
Signez cette pétition à la Chambre des communes :
www.noscommunes.ca/petitions/fr...
Pétition e-6922 - Pétitions
Langue d'origine de la pétition : Français
www.noscommunes.ca
December 30, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Une résolution conjointe pour la nouvelle année des gouvernements du Québec et du Canada ?
🍁 Rétablir le service de VIA Rail entre Matapédia et Port-Daniel-Gascons.
⚜️ Réparer la voie ferrée jusqu'à Gaspé.
Signez cette pétition à la Chambre des communes :
www.noscommunes.ca/petitions/fr...
🍁 Rétablir le service de VIA Rail entre Matapédia et Port-Daniel-Gascons.
⚜️ Réparer la voie ferrée jusqu'à Gaspé.
Signez cette pétition à la Chambre des communes :
www.noscommunes.ca/petitions/fr...
The Systra report prepared for VIA Rail’s HFR office was pulled down from their website after the Alto announcement but it had stringlines showing that’s this would be feasible and make efficient use of the tunnel.
December 28, 2025 at 4:48 PM
The Systra report prepared for VIA Rail’s HFR office was pulled down from their website after the Alto announcement but it had stringlines showing that’s this would be feasible and make efficient use of the tunnel.
Headway of 2.5 minutes, at 100 km/h top speed through the tunnel, plenty of time to set, lock and detect a switch before the next train reaches the braking point. Flying junction at the north end so no interference between north and southbound trains.
December 28, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Headway of 2.5 minutes, at 100 km/h top speed through the tunnel, plenty of time to set, lock and detect a switch before the next train reaches the braking point. Flying junction at the north end so no interference between north and southbound trains.
We hope this will attract passengers back to the Exo Mascouche line.
Sharing the tunnel should have been technically feasible, according to a report by Systra. Not doing so was a choice made by CDPQinfra, to the detriment of Exo and VIA Rail/Alto.
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
Sharing the tunnel should have been technically feasible, according to a report by Systra. Not doing so was a choice made by CDPQinfra, to the detriment of Exo and VIA Rail/Alto.
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
Exo to open Mascouche train link to REM on Jan. 12
The Côte-de-Liesse station connection will save up to 45 minutes for commuters getting downtown, Exo says.
montrealgazette.com
December 27, 2025 at 6:41 PM
We hope this will attract passengers back to the Exo Mascouche line.
Sharing the tunnel should have been technically feasible, according to a report by Systra. Not doing so was a choice made by CDPQinfra, to the detriment of Exo and VIA Rail/Alto.
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
Sharing the tunnel should have been technically feasible, according to a report by Systra. Not doing so was a choice made by CDPQinfra, to the detriment of Exo and VIA Rail/Alto.
montrealgazette.com/news/local-n...
Ontario Northland's first new train arrived just in time for Christmas. We look forward to riding the reinstated Northlander service by the end of next year.
doppleronline.ca/huntsville/t...
doppleronline.ca/huntsville/t...
The Ontario Northlander is on its way! | Letters - Huntsville Doppler
SEASON'S GREETINGS TO ALL NORTHERNERS, SOUTHERNERS, AND VISITORS WHO HAVE WAITED PATIENTLY TO RIDE OUR TRAIN.
doppleronline.ca
December 26, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Ontario Northland's first new train arrived just in time for Christmas. We look forward to riding the reinstated Northlander service by the end of next year.
doppleronline.ca/huntsville/t...
doppleronline.ca/huntsville/t...
Happy Christmas and Seasons Greetings to all, and a big thank you to all train crew, transit drivers, aircrew, maintenance and support teams helping people to get safely to where they want to be for the holidays.
www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/video...
www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/video...
Train travellers all aboard on busiest days of the year
The Ottawa Via Rail station was busy Monday as train travellers head off for Christmas destinations. CTV’s Kimberley Johnson reports.
www.ctvnews.ca
December 24, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Happy Christmas and Seasons Greetings to all, and a big thank you to all train crew, transit drivers, aircrew, maintenance and support teams helping people to get safely to where they want to be for the holidays.
www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/video...
www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/video...
Several key bus routes in SW Ontario just got a welcome reprieve, but others including Windsor-Leamington are still slated to shut down next year, and we are still waiting for Ontario's promised regional transportation plan, in progress since in 2020!
www.ctvnews.ca/london/artic...
www.ctvnews.ca/london/artic...
Inter-community transit to continue running until 2030 following provincial funding boost
Middlesex County is receiving millions of dollars in funding from the province to keep inter-community transit operating for another four years.
www.ctvnews.ca
December 23, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Several key bus routes in SW Ontario just got a welcome reprieve, but others including Windsor-Leamington are still slated to shut down next year, and we are still waiting for Ontario's promised regional transportation plan, in progress since in 2020!
www.ctvnews.ca/london/artic...
www.ctvnews.ca/london/artic...
Reposted by Transport Action Canada
WATCH: Seriously, if you’re following ANY bike-lane debate, you HAVE TO WATCH this news story. You actually can’t make this up. Ford claims without evidence that bike-lanes are bad for small business, and THE ACTUAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION obliterates him with data.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Annex businesses tell Ford to back off Bloor bike lanes
Stores in the Annex say the Bloor bike lanes have been a big boost to business. As Michelle Mackey reports, the neighborhood's BIA wants the province to back off its new bill that could see the lanes ...
toronto.citynews.ca
December 23, 2025 at 3:50 AM
WATCH: Seriously, if you’re following ANY bike-lane debate, you HAVE TO WATCH this news story. You actually can’t make this up. Ford claims without evidence that bike-lanes are bad for small business, and THE ACTUAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION obliterates him with data.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.