Transport Action Canada Supports Kingston Stop on Alto High‑Speed Rail
Advocacy Group’s Position
Transport Action Canada, a national public transit advocacy group, says it supports adding a stop in Kingston to Alto’s planned high‑speed rail line that will run between Toronto and Quebec City.
Location Concerns
The group warns that the proposed southern alignment could locate the station up to 30 minutes’ drive north of downtown Kingston, which it says would make timely connections difficult.
Integration With Via Rail
While backing the Kingston stop, Transport Action stresses that it should be closely integrated with Via Rail’s existing service to ensure reliable, competitive travel.
Government and Company Response
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon has asked Crown corporation Alto to consider a southern route that includes Kingston, and the company says it is “exploring this option closely.”
Airport Connectivity and Central Stations
Transport Action calls for direct rail access to Montreal‑Trudeau International Airport and, eventually, to Toronto Pearson International Airport, and urges that stations be sited in downtown Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City to maximise ridership.
Project Scope and Expected Benefits
The 1,000‑kilometre corridor is designed for speeds over 300 km/h and is expected to cut travel times by roughly half, with the first segment slated for construction between Ottawa and Montreal.
Economic and Social Impact
Alto estimates that about 80 % of people living between Peterborough and Ottawa could reach a station within a 25‑minute drive, and that a Kingston stop would improve connections across eastern Ontario.
Evaluation Process
The review will examine construction costs, ridership, regional accessibility, technical feasibility, economic and social benefits, and long‑term network performance, with further details to be released after technical analysis and additional consultations.
