Teamsters Canada Rail Conference

Erosion of intercity public transportation in the North cause for concern

NORTH BAY – The Ontario Northland General Chairpersons’ Association has grave concerns over the continued erosion of public transportation service in Northern Ontario.

Over the past decade, the trend of private sector companies, as well as Ontario Northland, has been to reduce intercity bus and rail service across Northern Ontario, with some communities losing service entirely.

“While Southern and Central Ontario's passenger transportation options have greatly increased or matured, the residents and communities in Northern Ontario continue to suffer slow erosion of their services. From Parry Sound to Wawa to Hearst to Sault Ste. Marie and through to Thunder Bay, there are very few communities in the North that have not had reductions of intercity bus or rail service,” said GCA spokesperson Brian Kelly.

“Communities like Chapleau, Foleyet and Manitoulin Island have lost their bus services altogether. With the recent Greyhound announcement many other communities in the North are on the brink of losing their public transportation service,” contunued Kelly.

“Intercity bus service is inexpensive, efficient and convenient. Quite often it is the only service available in rural areas and small communities, including many First Nations. Bus service is eco-friendly, provides effective feeder service to other forms of public transportation like rail and air, and provides access to medical services in large communities, transports persons with disabilities, students, vacationers, seniors and many others,” said Kelly.

“Rail passenger service provides all of the above but also is a vehicle for tourism opportunities connecting Toronto, Canada’s largest source of domestic tourism with remote wilderness and indigenous cultural tourism. With the increased focus on environmental impact, and the desire to support Northern Ontario tourism, the importance of preserving public transportation has never been more crucial”, continued Kelly.

“What Northern Ontario needs is a long-term, integrated and socially responsible plan for transportation options in the region to stop this erosion of service. With provincial government direction and approval, the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission could become the province’s transportation and communications authority for the North,” added Kelly.

“The CGA believes the erosion of public transportation services, rail and bus can be halted. We seek the support of all communities and residents to let the provincial government know that public transportation on Northern Ontario is a vital service and must be renewed, expanded and protected,” concluded Kelly.

The CGA is made up of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, United Steelworkers and Canadian Auto Workers unions who represent all unionized employees at the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission.