The province is gathering feedback through an online survey on how to provide better bus and passenger rail service in northeastern Ontario.
The government said it's putting together a plan for a multi-model transportation system for the corridor between Cochrane/Timmins, North Bay and Toronto – a market of more than 3.1 million people – and wants to explore options for passenger rail.
The idea is to understand travel patterns along this corridor, including the purpose of people's trips, mode of transportation, frequency of travel, preferences for departure times, train frequency, travel time and costs.
The deadline for submissions is Nov. 20. The government said it will report back on its findings in early 2021.
The public can also email their comments at NorthernTransportationPlan@ontario.ca or phone in their feedback to the System Planning Branch at 416-585-7305.
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The previous provincial government launched a wider public consultation process a few years ago, involving feedback and a draft plan for all modes of transportation, including road, rail, air and marine.
The aim of the document was to set policy and map out a transportation system for this region for the next 25 years.
"The feedback we receive will be an important component to improving transportation options for Northern communities and supporting economic growth in the North," said Transport Minister Caroline Mulroney.
"This survey will allow people in Nipissing and communities across the region to have their say in continuing to improve those vital connections," said Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli, the provincial minister of economic development, job creation and trade.
"Improving transportation options and connecting communities will enhance quality of life by providing northerners with better access to services, medical appointments and family," added Energy, Northern Development and Mines Minister Greg Rickford.
