Local officials from London, Ontario, and surrounding counties are gearing up to advocate for better passenger rail services in the region during an upcoming meeting with the Ontario government in Toronto. The focus will be on enhancing passenger service with representatives from Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford counties, coming together at the Rural Ontario Municipalities (ROMA) Conference starting January 18.
The collective push for improved rail services, especially faster and more frequent options, is hindered by challenges such as current track conditions and ownership. Via Rail operates in Southwestern Ontario, where the tracks are owned by CN Rail, giving priority to freight trains. This dynamic has led to a decline in punctuality, with only 51% of trains being on time in 2024, dropping further to 33% in the third quarter of 2025.
Recent issues have surfaced with CN Rail imposing speed restrictions at rail crossings, impacting Via Rail’s operations. Advocates stress the need for a better balance between freight and passenger rail prioritization. Efforts have been made in the past to reprioritize rail traffic in favor of passengers, including a private members bill in 2021 that aimed to address this issue.
The inadequate passenger rail service not only affects commuters but also has economic implications for the region, according to the city and the London Chamber of Commerce. They have urged provincial action on passenger rail, emphasizing the strategic benefits it would bring, such as improved access to talent, educational opportunities, and reduced congestion.
While plans for a high-speed rail network from Toronto to Quebec City have been announced, the conversation has yet to address the Toronto to Windsor section of the corridor. The upcoming meeting at ROMA presents an opportunity to collaborate with the province and highlight the importance of investments in rail service improvements. While high-speed rail might not be the immediate solution, interim changes could help enhance passenger rail travel in the region.