Following backlash from residents and local leaders, VIA Rail has reversed its decision to stop servicing its only Scarborough stop.
In a statement on its website on Friday, VIA said it will serve Guildwood Station when it transitions to its winter schedule starting Oct. 25.
“VIA Rail recognizes the importance of reliable rail transportation that connects communities and serves passengers across Canada, including in the Scarborough community,” the operator said in a notice on its website.
“As part of this commitment, VIA Rail will remain in touch with community leaders to discuss the situation and assess feedback.”
Earlier this month, the passenger rail service operator announced service changes in the Quebec City-Windsor corridor, including cancelling its early morning train from Ottawa to Toronto starting Oct. 25.
VIA Rail also said that it would stop serving Guildwood and Malton stations “to improve overall travel times, given their proximity to Toronto Union Station and easy access to GO Transit and other local transit services.”
Scarborough residents and officials criticized the announcement. Many who spoke to CP24 expressed shock, frustration and disappointment that VIA’s lone Scarborough stop would be cut.
Coun. Paul Ainslie called on VIA Rail to reverse its plan, saying it would negatively impact residents.
“Guildwood Station is not simply a train stop. It is an essential transportation asset that connects Scarborough residents to communities across Ontario and Canada,” Ainslie said in a statement on Sept. 16.
“Removing service would make travel less convenient, increase travel times, and reduce transportation options for thousands of residents.
Liberal MPs representing Scarborough ridings sent out a news release on Friday calling on VIA Rail to restore full service at Guildwood Station.
While the rail service initially planned to cut all service at the station, the MPs said they intervened and restored partial service.
“But this is not good enough,” the MPs said, asking for a meeting with VIA Rail’s interim president and CEO Mathieu Paquette.
They added that the decision was “disconnected from reality,” given that many stop at Guildwood Station. The MPs said that VIA’s data show nearly 60,000 passengers departed and arrived at the station last year.
“Scarborough residents deserve to know why a station used for tens of thousands of passenger trips each year is being removed from VIA Rail’s network,” the MPs said in Friday’s statement.
During her campaign rally in Scarborough on Saturday, Olivia Chow welcomed VIA’s reversal.
“We’ll keep fighting to make sure they don’t even try it again,” Chow said.
