Transit service won't be cut at major Toronto station following backlash

VIA Rail has reversed course on plans to cut its service at a Toronto station following backlash from both local residents and politicians.

The Crown corporation announced on Friday that it will continue serving Guildwood Station when it transitions to its winter schedule on Oct. 25. The decision comes just over a week after VIA Rail announced that it would no longer stop at Guildwood or Malton stations beginning Oct. 25 as part of a series of schedule adjustments in the Quebec City-Windsor corridor.

The changes, which were immediately met with criticism from Scarborough commuters, were part of VIA Rail's twice-yearly schedule review. At the time, VIA Rail said it was removing its Guildwood stop to improve overall travel times, and cited the station's proximity to Union Station and its access to GO Transit as factors behind the decision.

The planned cut sparked opposition from residents and local politicians, including Toronto city councillor and deputy mayor Paul Ainslie, who represents Scarborough-Guildwood. Ainslie launched a petition calling for VIA Rail service to be reinstated at Guildwood, and quickly garnered over 800 signatures in support.

In a statement on his website, Ainslie described Guildwood as an "essential transportation asset," which connects Scarborough residents with communities across Ontario and beyond. His petition also pointed to a 2016 survey that found Scarborough residents accounted for more than 25 per cent of Toronto commuters using intercity rail services.

"This station has been more than just a point of transit; it has been a lifeline, providing us with convenient and accessible transportation for work, family visits, and leisure. However, the recent decision to discontinue this crucial service threatens to disconnect us, impacting our daily lives and the vibrancy of the Scarborough community," the petition reads.

"Eliminating service at Guildwood not only limits travel options for thousands but also places an undue burden on those who depend on public transportation for their livelihoods and daily necessities."

Ainslie said practical solutions to maintain the service at Guildwood could include evaluating alternative scheduling, exploring government subsidies, and enhancing marketing efforts to boost ridership.

Dozens of Scarborough residents who signed the petition wrote about their personal connections to the station.

"Guildwood Via Rail stop allows my aging parents to visit their grandchildren without needing to lug their cases for a transfer. Save Guildwood Via service. Keep families together," one person wrote.

"I rely on Guildwood Station for travel to and from Ottawa and Montreal. If this service is cut, I will be forced to travel an extra hour to Union Station, or an extra 1.5 hours to Oshawa, just to catch a train that currently stops within my own community," another commuter said.

In response to the criticism, VIA Rail released a statement on Friday, noting that it recognizes the importance of rail service at the station.

"VIA Rail recognizes the importance of reliable rail transportation that connects communities and serves passengers across Canada, including in the Scarborough community," the statement reads.

"As part of this commitment, VIA Rail will remain in touch with community leaders to discuss the situation and assess feedback.  In the meantime, VIA Rail will operate in accordance with its winter schedule, continuing to service Guildwood Station."

The original schedule changes would've meant that Scarborough commuters needing VIA Rail service would have to travel to Union Station or Oshawa instead.

For now, Guildwood passengers can continue using the station when VIA Rail's winter schedule takes effect on Oct. 25. Still, the corporation has not confirmed whether service at Guildwood will continue beyond its winter schedule or return to its previous level.