WHO: Irene Mathyssen MP (London–Fanshawe, NDP), Terry Johnson (President, SWOTA), Western students, faculty and the general public

WHAT: One-hour public symposium with presentations and time for Q&A

WHEN: Wednesday, October 12, 2016, 1pm-2pm

WHERE: Talbot College, Room 101, Western University – Get Directions

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.

Western students and faculty travel all the time. They deserve affordable, efficient, and sustainable ways to get to Toronto, to Waterloo, to Windsor and to Ottawa. Why drive congested, dangerous highways and pollute our environment?

SWOTA works with Transport Action Ontario to connect community groups, government stakeholders and businesses, and advocates for better travel options across our region. With climate change on everyone’s mind, and transportation causing a huge percentage of greenhouse gas emissions, smart solutions are needed. And the smartest solution of all is the network we already have: passenger rail.

The event will focus on High-Speed Rail options, the huge expansion of GO Transit in Toronto and VIA Rail’s struggle to survive with inadequate funding. Other topics will include SWOTA’s well-documented solution: Network Southwest and the upcoming reintroduction of the NDP’s proposed VIA Rail Canada Act.

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.