Noticeable improvements are on the way for passengers at VIA Rail stations in London and Sarnia.
London West MP Kate Young, on behalf of the Federal Transportation Minister, announced on Monday over $2-million in funding for enhancements at the two stations.
"London will be getting $1.5-million and Sarnia $600,000," says Young. "This is a commitment on the part of VIA Rail that these stations are very important."
The money will be used in London to upgrade the pedestrian tunnel, washrooms, heating system, and tower cladding.
"It's part of continuing to display our commitment to the area and trying to grow ridership," says Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, president of VIA Rail Canada. "If you want to do so you've got to get on with the times and make sure that facilities are adequate to meet the demand."
Desjardins-Siciliano says they are moving ahead with the infrastructure improvements in anticipation of increased rail service across the region in the near future.
"We announced in 2015 our intention to add frequencies to service southwestern Ontario. We are working with our infrastructure owner to acquire those rights of access," says Desjardins-Siciliano. "We remain hopeful that in the coming months, we will be announcing the new frequencies to add to the convenience of the trips to Toronto, London, Windsor, and Sarnia."
The rail lines VIA runs on throughout southwestern Ontario are owned by other railways, including CN and Metrolinx.
"You need the cooperation from those railways so that they can allow you access to their infrastructure on a schedule that does not impede on their freight or passenger operations," says Desjardins-Siciliano.
