Ontario says Northlander trainset tops 1,600 km in testing as next phase approaches

Ontario Northland’s first new Northlander passenger trainset has logged more than 1,600 kilometres in burn-in testing and is expected to move soon into the next testing stage, known as Revenue Service Demonstration, according to a provincial announcement dated April 13. The Ontario government says it plans to restore Northlander passenger rail service later this year between Timmins and Toronto’s Union Station, with a rail connection to Cochrane.

For Northeast Ontario residents, the update provides the latest timeline and details on how the province and Ontario Northland say they are preparing the equipment and staff ahead of the planned restart of passenger rail service, which was cancelled 14 years ago.

The April 13 announcement was made during a visit by Premier Doug Ford to North Bay.

Ontario says burn-in testing on the first trainset is nearing completion and has been carried out in conditions meant to simulate regular service.

During the Revenue Service Demonstration phase, Ontario Northland plans to train staff on the equipment, run emergency exercises, test schedules, and verify safety and operating systems along the full Northlander route. Ontario says the phase is meant to simulate normal operations, including station stops and announcements, before public service begins.

A second trainset has arrived in Ontario and will soon begin testing and commissioning along the Northlander corridor, the announcement said.

A confirmed return-to-service date has not been announced. Ontario says a date will be announced in the coming months as testing continues.

Ontario has also released what it calls anticipated launch fares, which it says are expected to be about 10 per cent higher than standard Ontario Northland bus fares.

The province says the Northlander route will run 740 kilometres between Timmins and Toronto, with a rail connection to Cochrane, for a total of 16 stops.

Each trainset has 169 seats, including accessible seating, wide aisles, accessible washrooms and charging ports.

Ontario says it has invested more than $100 million in rail infrastructure north of North Bay in connection with the planned return of the Northlander.

The province also says it has introduced the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act. The government says the proposed legislation would establish a Northern Rideshare Framework for communities along the Northlander corridor.

Ontario Northland CEO Chad Evans said the agency is focused on meeting safety and performance requirements and preparing staff to welcome passengers later this year.