VIA Rail withdrew from the Gaspé region of Quebec in 2013. It’s time for VIA to return.
VIA ceased rail service in 2012 and 2013 because of poor track conditions and poor signal infrastructure.
In the past several years, a tremendous amount of work has been done on the rail line between Matapédia and Port-Daniel-Gascons. Bridges have been replaced, new rail and new ballast has been placed, and crossings upgraded. Freight trains are running more frequently and track speeds have increased.
The Quebec government has invested a lot in this line to repair it. The McInnis cement plant at Port-Daniel-Gascons has been shipping cement by rail for some time – first by trucking it to New Richmond to be transloaded, but now directly to rail since the railway has been repaired.
The line is ready for passenger service to Port-Daniel-Gascons.
It’s time for VIA to return to the Gaspé.
If you are Canadian, please consider signing petition e-6922, to urge the federal government and VIA Rail to immediately implement VIA Rail service between Matapédia and Port-Daniel-Gascons, Quebec, and to restore passenger service to Gaspé at a future date.
Only Canadian residents can sign.
To date, almost 2000 people have signed the petition. Please add your name.
Here’s a video I made of VIA Rail on the Gaspé peninsula. It’s one of the most beautiful places I have ever railfanned.
I wish the petitioners good luck. Unfortunately, the petition says “We, the undersigned citizens of Quebec”, so I can not sign it.
I understand. Thank you.
I’m sure Quebec residents have far more weight to politicians than residents of other provinces.
I am a Quebec worker, but not a Quebec resident. I hope Via returns to the Gaspe. To be a truly national railway, Via needs to find any and all opportunities to serve communities outside Toronto-Montreal-Ottawa. Time to be bold.
I rode the Halifax bound Ocean many times when they would tear-apart the train in Matapedia and part would continue to Gaspe. I agree service should return but only if it is safe and sunsidized. I don’t think VIA’s budget could handle the losses that would come with this service. That said, Canada should subsidize the service and put some of our tax money to good use.
Steve.