Bas-Saint-Laurent MP files petition for daytime train service

Maxime Blanchette-Joncas, the Bloc Québécois MP for Rimouski-Neigette–Mitis–Matapédia–Les Basques, has formally submitted a petition to the House of Commons demanding the return of daytime train services in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region.

The petition, which gathered over 4,000 signatures and received support from 80 municipalities and four MRCs, calls for a reliable, daily rail service with schedules better suited to the needs of students, workers, and families. Since 2012, VIA Rail service frequency in the area has been halved, dropping from six round trips per week to three, with most remaining services operating primarily at night.

VIA Rail has indicated a potential plan to restore two to three round trips per week between Quebec City and New Carlisle by spring 2028. However, this restoration is contingent upon securing federal funding and finalizing agreements regarding track usage with Canadian National. The federal government is required to provide an official response to the petition within 45 calendar days.