Update: On September 29, VIA rail announced that the pilot project had been suspended due to “operational constraints” with CN, the host railway, with all trains continuing to make their normal scheduled stops. VIA Rail is launching non-stop Montreal–Toronto trains starting on September 29, 2025 as a three-month pilot project, announced on September 19. All …
Transport Action Canada, founded as Transport 2000 Canada in 1977, is the nation’s leading citizen transportation advocacy group. We represent the interests of consumers or users of public transport services in Canada. Here are some of the main issues that our advocacy work revolves around:
- the development of rail passenger services in Canada;
- the future of inter-city bus services and their connectivity to rail and air services;
- urban and commuter transit systems;
- the implications to consumers of the deregulated airline industry in Canada;
- the impact on the public interest of demands for new highway spending
We're here to help you get there.
We exist to advocate on your behalf so that the decision makers understand the needs of passengers, and follow through on what they promise. That new bus stop. That construction being complete. More bus or train times... So on. And we'd love to keep you in the loop.
Government puts Alto HSR on the fast track
The federal government appears to finally be moving the Alto High Speed Rail project on to the fast track, recognising its importance as a nation building project, in a victory for our advocacy critiquing the multiple delays and extensions to the timeline imposed since High Frequency Rail was first proposed more than ten years ago. …
Federal Budget Submission 2025
A modern and effective rail network for both freight and people, coupled with reliable public transit that empowers all Canadians to travel and access opportunities are vital to strengthening Canada’s economy and resilience in a changing world. The Government of Canada is expected to release its next budget in the fall, and the recommendations in …
Fares should be tax-free everywhere in Canada
If you take any urban public transit service in Canada, the fare you see is the fare you pay. No sales tax is applied to it, which is what we expect for basic services and commodities. The same applies to regional rail and bus including GO Transit, Exo, or West Coast Express. In our submission …
VIA Rail must grow to reduce subsidy required
With new corridor fleet deliveries completed this summer and growing demand for travel, VIA Rail should be on track to exceed five million passengers this year. Due to a combination of the issue with CN imposing restrictions on the new Venture trains, and the government’s slowness to resolve it, we’re not getting there yet. And …
Les Îles de la Madeleine
Transport Action Canada board member Christopher Graper made a journey this summer from Toronto to Les Îles de la Madelaine by train, bus and ferry. Despite their remote location in the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence, Les Îles de la Madeleine are accessed fairly easily and inexpensively by public transport. Like all public transport in Canada, it …