VIA Rail is discontinuing Train 641, part of service reductions along the Québec City to Windsor Corridor.

The change eliminates an early-morning connection that takes passengers from Belleville to downtown Toronto before 9 a.m.

The City of Belleville is calling on VIA Rail to reconsider the change. “For residents who travel to Toronto for work and for those travelling to Belleville, having practical departure and arrival times matters,” Mayor Neil Ellis said in a statement.

Mr. Ellis said Belleville’s location along the Québec City to Windsor Corridor is an important advantage for the community. The loss of Train 641 removes an alternative to travelling along Highway 401.

But VIA Rail says the revised schedule is intended to better align service with passenger demand.

The company noted Train 41 still offers early morning service; it departs Ottawa at 4:56a.m., and stops in Kingston, Napanee, Belleville, Cobourg and Port Hope before arriving in Toronto at 9:37.

The revised schedule will result in an average of one fewer daily train between Ottawa and Toronto.

Belleville is not the only Eastern Ontario municipality objecting. Mayors in Northumberland County and  Kingston have also spoken out about service reductions.

The concerns come after the return of Train 641 in May 2024, following regional advocacy for improved morning rail service.

Belleville is urging VIA Rail to reconsider the reductions and work with municipalities along the corridor to ensure passenger rail service reflects the needs of the communities it serves.

The changes are scheduled to take effect Oct. 25.