VIA Rail to restore daytime train service in Quebec's Bas-Saint-Laurent by 2028

VIA Rail announced that it intends to reinstate two to three daytime passenger train trips on the Quebec City–New Carlisle corridor in the Bas‑Saint‑Laurent region, with service to begin in the spring of 2028. The move follows years of advocacy by local residents, municipal councils and regional actors.

Federal MP Maxime Blanchette‑Joncas welcomed the development, noting that the current schedule offers only nighttime trains, limiting accessibility. He said the restored daytime service will improve mobility, support tourism and boost the regional economy. Implementation still requires finalizing track‑right agreements with the province of Quebec and Canadian National Railway, as well as securing federal funding for the project.