Philip Lawrence Official Portrait / Portrait Officiel Ottawa, ONTARIO, Canada on May 20, 2025. © HOC-CDC Credit: Mélanie Provencher, House of Commons Photo Services
For Philip Lawrence, MP for Northumberland—Peterborough South, the cancellation of VIA Rail train 641 is a case of unwelcome déjà vu.
Announced late last week, VIA said it was cancelling train 641 effective Oct. 25. The train offers early-morning service, operating between Ottawa and Toronto from Monday to Thursday, with stops in Kingston, Belleville, Cobourg and Port Hope.
It was only two years ago that VIA Rail announced the return of early-morning train service to Cobourg and Port Hope, a move welcomed at the time by MP Philip Lawrence and other local politicians. Lawrence says there never seems to be any concrete reasoning from VIA for decisions that adversely affect so many passengers.
VIA says there will be a later train to get passengers to Toronto in the morning hours, but for many, the arrival time is far too late for them to start their jobs.
Lawrence admits that he does not know the exact number of passengers this affects, but from what he can see, the trains are packed, and that means it is going to be a major problem for many.
Lawrence knows he is not alone in this fight, and he says he already knows he has the backing of local allies who are just as concerned about the situation. He is counting on everyone standing shoulder to shoulder when confronting VIA about its decision.
Much more will be forthcoming on this issue as further details become available.
(Written By: Richard Evans)
