Timmins council asks staff to explore six-month transit pilot linking city stops to Northlander rail station

Timmins city council has directed Timmins Transit to explore a six-month pilot that would provide a “first mile/last mile” connection between the Timmins-Porcupine rail station and designated stops in the city, timed to Ontario Northland’s expected Northlander passenger train arrivals and departures.

The pilot is being considered because preliminary information from Ontario Northland suggests the Northlander’s Timmins schedule would fall outside Timmins Transit’s current operating hours, according to the City of Timmins.

Ontario Northland expects the Northlander passenger rail service to return this year. The city said it is looking at how local transit could connect riders to the train if arrivals or departures occur early in the morning or late in the evening.

Service models under consideration include limited early-morning and late-evening trips, on-demand transit, a dedicated connection route, or other flexible options, the city said.

The pilot would be used to assess demand and operational impacts before any long-term decision.

Staff will return to Timmins city council with a proposed program overview for final approval before any service is implemented, the city said.