MP angered some VIA trains will no longer stop in Belleville
Administrator | Sep 22, 2025 | Comments 2
Some VIA Rail trains will no longer stop in Belleville, and other locations, as the company introduces a pilot project non-stop service between Toronto and Montreal.
A three-month direct service pilot project is being introduced Sept. 29 and VIA Rail trains 60, 61, 68 and 69 will not stop in Belleville, Kingston, Brockville, and Cornwall while travelling the route between Toronto and Montreal.
Also starting Sept. 29, VIA Rail train 50 from Toronto to Ottawa will not stop in Belleville and Kingston, Guildwood, Oshawa and Cobourg. Further, train 50 will operate non-stop from Toronto to Brockville before separating from Train 60. Passengers will only be able to de-board at Brockville, Smiths Falls and Fallowfield; boarding will not be offered at these stations.
The non-stop pilot project is to run Sept. 29 to Dec. 21.
Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette has stated he is angered by the decision.
“This decision was made without any consultation and will have significant repercussions for our region,” stated Malette. “Residents depend on VIA Rail’s services, not just for leisure travel, but for essential daily activities including employment, access to educational institutions, medical appointments and vital connections to larger urban centres.”
Malette has reached out to the Minister of Transportation to express concerns “and will be advocating strongly for VIA Rail to reconsider, and reverse this decision.”
Pilot program as of Sept. 29:
Train No. 61: Scheduled from Montreal (6:45 a.m.) to Toronto (12:03 p.m.) — will no longer stop in Cornwall, Kingston, Belleville, Oshawa, or Guildwood
Train No. 69: Scheduled from Montreal (4:39 p.m.) to Toronto (9:48 p.m.) — will no longer stop in Cornwall, Brockville, Kingston, Oshawa, or Guildwood
Train No. 60: Scheduled from Toronto (6:32 a.m.) to Montreal (11:50 a.m.) — will no longer stop in Oshawa, Cobourg, Belleville, Kingston, or Cornwall
Train No. 50: Scheduled from Toronto (6:32 a.m.) to Ottawa (11:21 a.m.) — will no longer stop in Belleville or Kingston
Train No. 68: Scheduled from Toronto (5:08 p.m.) to Montreal (10:14 p.m.) — no longer stop in Oshawa, Cobourg, Belleville, Kingston, Brockville, or Cornwall
Filed Under: Local News
Via Rail.
An unaffordable,inefficient, essential service that could solve many of the travel difficulties that face the people of Ontario.(Gridlock, global warming,non-stop road construction and repair, accidents etc). Where are our politicians?
Take a look at the train systems in Europe.
All we can do since Via has the monopoly on train transportation to and from this area is to hope that the pilot project is unsuccessful!