Select VIA Rail trains won’t stop in eastern Ontario as non-stop Montréal–Toronto introduced this fall

A Via Rail train is seen on tracks in Dorval, Que., as it heads out of Montreal on May 23. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

Some VIA Rail trains will not stop in eastern Ontario this fall, as non-stop service is introduced between Montréal–Toronto.

VIA Rail confirmed to CTV News Ottawa it is launching a three-month direct service pilot project on select Montréal–Toronto trains.

Starting Sept. 29, VIA Rail trains 60, 61, 68 and 69 will not stop in Cornwall, Brockville, Kingston and Belleville while travelling through eastern Ontario between Montréal and Toronto.

“While ensuring that all communities continue to have access to VIA Rail services on other trains, the direct trains will test passenger demand for faster, more efficient travel from downtown to downtown between Montréal and Toronto,” VIA Rail said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa.

“By testing faster travel times between the two largest cities in Canada, we hope to cement the train as the smarter choice over air and car travel.”

Here is a look at the train schedule for the trains involved in the pilot project, starting Sept. 29:

• Train 61 Montréal to Toronto : Depart Montréal at 6:45 a.m. (Train will no longer stop in Dorval, Cornwall, Kingston, Belleville, Oshawa, Guildwood)
• Train 69 Montréal to Toronto: Depart Montréal at 4:39 p.m. (Train will no longer stop in Cornwall, Brockville, Kingston, Oshawa, Guildwood).
• Train 60 Toronto to Montréal: Depart Toronto at 6:32 a.m. (Train will no longer stop in Oshawa, Cobourg, Belleville, Kingston, Cornwall, Dorval)
• Train 68 Toronto to Montréal: Depart Toronto at 5:08 p.m. (Train will no longer stop in Oshawa, Cobourg, Belleville, Kingston, Brockville, Cornwall, Dorval)

VIA Rail says the non-stop trains may arrive 30 to 40 minutes earlier at their destination than previously scheduled.

According to the VIA Rail schedule, the non-stop direct service pilot project will run from Sept. 29 to Dec. 20/Dec. 21.

Train 50 to Ottawa

Starting Sept. 29, VIA Rail train 50 from Toronto to Ottawa will not stop in Belleville and Kingston.

According to VIA Rail, there will be “reduced station stops on route” and trains could arrive 30 to 40 minutes earlier than scheduled.

Under the current schedule, train 50 stops in Kingston at 9:02 a.m.