Feds want more studies for dedicated passenger rail line

In its budget, the federal government is giving Via Rail the green light to replace its aging fleet.

But when it comes to a new passenger rail-only line between Quebec City and Windsor, passing through Ottawa and Peterborough, that’s headed for more studies.

“By only investing $8 million over the next three years for more study, something that has been studied already, and all are supportive, I find it frustrating that more hasn’t been done,” said Jamie Schmale, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MP.

READ MORE: Passenger rail service remains ‘on-track’ in Peterborough

Via Rail has pitched what it calls high-frequency rail between Toronto and Quebec City where trains hit top speeds of 177 kilometres an hour.

Those passenger trains would not have to share the line with freight trains.

Via estimates that would drop travel times by as much as 25 per cent.

“We want to get this right to make sure it’s the right fit for all the communities all along the proposed line and right fit for the government to invest in,” said Maryam Monsef, Peterborough-Kawartha MP.

Passenger rail has been on the radar in Peterborough for more than a decade, a promise by then-Peterborough MP Dean Del Mastro in his 2008 campaign for the Shining Waters Rail Line to be completed by 2010.

But 10 years later, still no train.

“I’m not sure a study would show anything that any other hasn’t that this is important for our country,” said Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett.

READ MORE: VIA Rail back in operation following freight train derailment

In a press release, Via said it expects the new trains to be operating by 2022.

There is no timeline for the new Quebec City-Windsor line.