Northlander testing moves closer to Ontario return

The Northlander testing phase is continuing in northern Ontario. Preparations are moving ahead for the passenger service’s planned return later this year. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Northlander testing phase enters service simulation

The first trainset has completed “burn-in” testing. It travelled more than 1,600 kilometres in conditions that reflect regular operations.

It will now move into Revenue Service Demonstration. This stage involves simulated passenger service along the full route between northern communities and Toronto.

This stage follows the completed burn-in testing. It comes before public service begins later this year.

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During this phase, Ontario Northland staff will be trained on the equipment and procedures. Meanwhile, emergency exercises will also be carried out. The programme will test timetables, station stops and operational systems before public service begins.

Chad Evans, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Northland, said: “This key phase of testing brings us yet another step closer to the new era of the Northlander. As we move into revenue service demonstration, Ontario Northland is focused on ensuring the equipment meets all safety and performance requirements and that staff are well-prepared to welcome passengers later this year.”

Route, trainsets and infrastructure for the Northlander return

Also, a second trainset has arrived in Ontario. It is expected to begin testing and commissioning along the corridor in the coming weeks.

The planned route will run between Timmins and Toronto, with a rail connection to Cochrane. It will cover about 740 kilometres and serve 16 stops. The service is being reinstated more than a decade after a previous government discontinued it.

The first trainset arrived in Ontario in December 2025. Separately, further testing was carried out in Toronto, as noted in Railway Supply’s earlier coverage. Each trainset includes seating for 169 passengers, accessible facilities and charging points.

The government has invested more than CAD 100 million in Northlander rail infrastructure. That work is north of North Bay. It is part of preparations for the service’s return.

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