Southwestern Ontario's Passenger Rail and Bus Service Action Plan. With more than two thirds of all public transport in our region cut or cancelled since 2009, Southwestern Ontario faces a crisis. There is a solution: Network Southwest … Find out more
Chatham-Kent adds new bus route, midday interurban services
On September 3rd, Chatham-Kent will launch a new urban bus route and make a range of service adjustments, as the first step in responding to community advocacy for a significantly improved public transportation network to combat social isolation and to get people to available jobs, and to accommodate growing numbers of passengers, particularly students. The… Read More…
Community Transportation Grants flow to SW Ontario Communities
The Southwestern Ontario Transportation Alliance warmly welcomes the Ontario government’s release of $30 million in Community Transportation Grant funding on Friday, January 25th 2019. The investment represents the first tangible step toward restoring inter-community bus services in Southwestern Ontario since the demise of AboutTown Transportation’s services decimated the route network in 2013. This funding, which… Read More…
High Performance Trains Coming to Canada
VIA Rail Canada announced today that Siemens Canada has been selected as the successful bidder in its fleet renewal program for Southwestern Ontario and the Quebec-Windsor Corridor. This is a day that transportation advocacy groups like the Southwestern Ontario Transportation Alliance (SWOTA) and Transport Action Canada have campaigned for, and we welcome this investment in VIA Rail and environmentally responsible transportation. Read more…
VIA Rail now allowing pets onboard
After several years of questions from passengers, VIA Rail has now changed its policy to permit pets on trains in Southwestern Ontario and the Windsor-Quebec City Corridor. Pets will now be able to travel with their humans, in both business and economy class, provided they remain in a hard or soft pet carrier and are placed on the floor in front of their human’s seat.
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Power of Rail Symposium – October 12th
The Southwestern Ontario Transportation Alliance (SWOTA) and Irene Mathyssen, MP (London–Fanshawe, NDP) are being welcomed by Western University on October 12, 2016 for a symposium on the fight for better passenger rail service.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016, 1pm-2pm
Talbot College, Room 101, Western University
Students value mobility and know that Canada’s public transport system isn’t up to the task of supporting the social and economic opportunities they want. THE POWER OF RAIL Symposium will give students a voice, and enable them to get involved in the discussions that will directly impact their futures.
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SW Ontario communities speak up for better bus services
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation held well-attended public consultations on intercommunity bus services in London on August 23rd and Sarnia on August 24th. SWOTA and RAIL members joined a wide range of voices from across the region speaking up for decisive action to tackle the crisis caused by the loss of services to more than… Read More…