Increase access to transit in Northern Ontario: NDP

Ontario NDP MPP for Timiskaming-Cochrane John Vanthof called on the Acting Premier in the legislature this morning to address cuts to the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) in Northern Ontario.

“In 2012, this government cancelled our only passenger train in Northern Ontario. The reason was because they had an equivalent bus line, and they were going to provide enhanced bus service. Since then, they’ve closed bus stations, and yesterday we learned that they’re making even more cuts to bus routes.”

“Why is it acceptable for this government to deny public transit to people in Northern Ontario?” Vanthof asked.

Since cancelling the only passenger train in Northern Ontario in 2012, the government has closed bus stations and yesterday it was announced more cuts to bus routes are being made in the region. Vanthof called on the government to increase access to transit and stop cuts to the ONTC. 

“While they claim their commitment remains strong, as we speak, services are being cut. Now it takes three days to get to Ottawa.”

“Once again, why is it acceptable, when this government keeps talking about increased access to transit, increased access to transportation, that they continue to cut access to transit in Northern Ontario?” Vanthof asked.