Northlander trainset arrival signals Ontario service return

Northlander trainset arrival marks Ontario’s step toward restoring the long-distance passenger service that was discontinued in 2012 and replaced with buses, as reported by Progressive Railroading. The first of three new sets has now reached the province as planning continues for a return to rail operations.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Northlander passenger rail return and route details

In a Government of Ontario press release, officials said the revived service will run 460 miles and include 16 stops between Timmins and Toronto, along with a Cochrane connection. The Northlander trainsets were produced by Siemens Mobility, and each set consists of one locomotive and three passenger cars.

Testing, Ontario Northland plans and 2026 start

For now, the first trainset is in Toronto for testing and commissioning. Ontario Northland, the province-owned transit agency, will also test the equipment on the Northlander corridor. Passenger-rail service is anticipated to start in 2026, though the press release did not include a service timeline.

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Timmins-Porcupine Station construction and corridor upgrades

The fleet delivery comes as Ontario advances work tied to the Timmins–Toronto route. Construction began in 2025 on the northernmost Timmins-Porcupine Station, as previously covered by Railway Supply. The province has also awarded a contract to reconstruct platforms and install shelters along the Northlander corridor.

Ontario has additionally completed the North Bay Rail Bypass, an upgrade expected to cut travel times by 15 minutes. Officials say the Northlander passenger rail return sits within a broader C$100 billion economic growth plan focused on improving transportation in northern communities and strengthening access to good-paying jobs, education and health care.

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