Northlander testing expands ahead of Ontario return

Northlander service relaunch preparations in Ontario have entered a critical testing phase. The planned return is later this year.

Northlander service relaunch moves through testing

The passenger-rail service once ran from Cochrane and Timmins to Union Station in downtown Toronto. It was cancelled 14 years ago. The province is now conducting rigorous testing along the entire route. According to the Government of Ontario, that work will continue for several months.

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Officials say “burn-in” testing on the first trainset is nearing completion. Route-wide testing is also under way. The train will then move into the next phase of testing and commissioning. That phase is a revenue service demonstration.

Route, staff training and return-to-service date

During that phase, operator Ontario Northland will train staff on the equipment. It will also conduct emergency exercises and test schedules. It will make sure safety and operating systems are working properly.

A confirmed return-to-service date will be announced in the coming months. Province officials said that in a press release. The announcement will come as testing proceeds. The Northlander will run 460 miles and feature 16 stops. That point was also noted in earlier Railway Supply coverage.

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