New group pushing for return of passenger rail service in the northeast

A new group is pushing for the Northlander train to be restored.

All Aboard Northern Ontario is a grassroots advocacy group that is also looking for improvements to other rail and inter-city bus services across the northeast.

Founder Eric Boutilier says in the coming weeks, the group will be releasing it’s data-based proposal for the restoration of the Northlander.

He says between 2009 and 2011 the Northlander saw an increase of about 8,000 riders.

“We’re putting into question their decision to eliminate the train,” he says.

“Moving forward we want to be able to demonstrate there’s a need for this service, the people in this region require it to get to and from Toronto and the larger cities,” Boutilier adds.

With an election coming up next year, he says now is the time for action.

Boutiler says the issue of the Northlander needs to be put before the public and the candidates of all political parties.