07-04-2023, 07:38 AM
Kitchener to London is currently served by two VIA trains:
- Trains 84 (eg leaving London for Kitchener at 9:54)
- Train 87 (eg leaving Kitchener for London at 19:18).
Trains 85 and 86 (I think this was the numbered pair) used to also run this route, beginning in Sarnia and terminating in Toronto. 85/86 was dropped when GO added their London service and I think it also dovetailed with VIA reducing its overall vehicle inventory as cars wore out and the replacements hadn't arrived yet.
Sean Marshall has created this GIS map of Canadian train services circa 1955. Southern Ontario had dozens of small passenger routes with more than a dozen different routes that could get a passenger to a beach.
Will GO ever switch to more than one type of consist? Or invest in other types of vehicles beyond the current push-pull? If they do, and CN and CP(KC) are willing to play ball, there might be a chance of improved rail service beyond the current "every trip must terminate at Union Station" mindset.
- Trains 84 (eg leaving London for Kitchener at 9:54)
- Train 87 (eg leaving Kitchener for London at 19:18).
Trains 85 and 86 (I think this was the numbered pair) used to also run this route, beginning in Sarnia and terminating in Toronto. 85/86 was dropped when GO added their London service and I think it also dovetailed with VIA reducing its overall vehicle inventory as cars wore out and the replacements hadn't arrived yet.
Sean Marshall has created this GIS map of Canadian train services circa 1955. Southern Ontario had dozens of small passenger routes with more than a dozen different routes that could get a passenger to a beach.
Will GO ever switch to more than one type of consist? Or invest in other types of vehicles beyond the current push-pull? If they do, and CN and CP(KC) are willing to play ball, there might be a chance of improved rail service beyond the current "every trip must terminate at Union Station" mindset.