VIA Rail service changes and fleet modernization

VIA Rail announced service changes for the Québec City–Windsor Corridor effective October 25, which included the discontinuation of Train 641 in Cobourg and the elimination of stops at Guildwood and Malton stations. Local officials, such as Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland, criticized the changes, calling the loss of the morning connection to Toronto “beyond unacceptable” for commuters and the local economy.

Following pressure from residents and several Members of Parliament, VIA Rail reversed its decision regarding Guildwood Station. The carrier announced it will continue to service the station under its winter schedule while conducting further community consultations and collecting passenger feedback. While service at Guildwood has been restored temporarily, the status of the proposed Malton station closure remains uncertain.

In a broader update, VIA Rail announced a $6.7 billion investment to modernize its long-distance, regional, and remote services. As part of this fleet overhaul, Alstom Canada will supply 313 new passenger rail cars, with the first expected to enter service in 2031 and the full order completed by 2035. The agreement includes approximately $4 billion for rail cars and $700 million for technical support and spare parts over 15 years, with Stadler also supplying new locomotives.

Regarding regional service, VIA Rail confirmed it will maintain 67 weekly stops at Toronto’s Guildwood Station. Starting October 25, the winter timetable will include seven weekday trains at Guildwood to support commuters on routes connecting Toronto to Ottawa and Montreal.