Amtrak is exploring ways to expand its services, including bringing back service between Detroit and Toronto.
However, a statement from the train service in the U.S. does not say the new service will include a stop in Windsor. The Detroit Free Press also reported Amtrak's annual report to Congress did not provide a timeline for construction.
The statement from spokesman Marc Magliari said, "Amtrak is exploring places it can modernize and expand its services and network. A Chicago/Western Michigan - Detroit - Toronto corridor is one of the services where we see promise."
Magliari continued, "We look forward to working with the Administration, Congress, our state partners, and other stakeholders to consider these proposals in more depth."
The FAST Act is set to expire at the end of September 2020, but Amtrak is submitting its proposal this year.
"The Michigan Department of Transportation has shown interest in service between Michigan and Ontario for some time, as has Amtrak," said the statement from Amtrak. "The Administration and Congress are also considering an infrastructure plan."
Amtrak said it does not know how many people currently self-transfer between VIA Rail's Windsor train station and stations in Metro Detroit.
"When Congress created Amtrak in 1970, the U.S. Department of Transportation drew maps that detailed where Amtrack service would go starting May 1, 1971. The Detroit-Windsor-London-Toronto corridor was not on that map," responded Magliari to inquires from BlackburnNews.com. "A Windsor station that lined up with the Michigan Central Station on the U.S. side was briefly used by Amtrak in the 70s, but again that was a route to and from Buffalo and New York City."
A statement from VIA Rail said there have not been any discussions between their management and Amtrak on an extention to Toronto.
