TORONTO, May 30 /CNW/ - On June 5, 2007, Ontario Northland will introduce
significant changes to the train service offered between Cochrane and
Moosonee, Ontario. The Little Bear and Polar Bear Express train services will
be combined and a single passenger train will operate between the two
communities. In addition a separate freight train service will be introduced.
When funding for the improved service was first announced by the
Government of Ontario on March 23, 2007, the Honourable Rick Bartolucci,
Minister of Northern Development and Mines commented that "We are improving
service levels to meet increasing levels of ridership from clients in Moosonee
and other northern communities. Similarly, increased movement of freight, due
to mineral development activity in the region warrants the separate freight
service."
"The Ontario government is making this investment because we believe the
people of the James Bay coast deserve a safe, reliable means of traveling to
and from their communities," added David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources
and Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and MPP for
Timiskaming-Cochrane. "It is part of our ongoing support of the ONTC, which is
allowing the agency to improve service to customers across the Northeast."
The new passenger train will be a flag stop train, carrying passengers
and their personal belongings, including: carry-on, checked and excess
baggage; vehicles (on chain cars); canoes/ATVs/snowmobiles; and express
freight (weighing less than 75 lbs.). In addition, changes to policies will be
introduced in order to enhance the overall travel experience.
"We are extremely excited to introduce this more frequent and
professional train service to meet the needs of the residents and tourists in
the James Bay region," said Steve Carmichael, President and CEO of Ontario
Northland. "These changes are being introduced in response to the feedback
that we received from residents and community leaders of the James Bay coast
and as a result of the ongoing support that we have received these
communities, the Province and our own Commission.
Summer Schedule
From June 5 to August 31, 2007, the passenger train will make the return
trip between Cochrane and Moosonee daily, except Mondays. The train will
depart from Ontario Northland's Cochrane Station each morning at 9:00 a.m.,
and arrive in Moosonee at 1:45 p.m. The train will depart from Moosonee at
6:00 p.m. and arrive in Cochrane at 10:42 p.m.
No Service on June 3 and June 4, 2007
In preparation for the launch of the new schedule, there will be no train
service on Sunday, June 3 and Monday, June 4, 2007.
Fall/Winter/Spring Schedule (Effective September 1, 2007)
A new, five return trips each week schedule will come into effect on
September 1, 2007. This represents a significant increase in service for the
residents of the James Bay Coast, as the Little Bear train previously offered
three return trips each week.
The schedule is being finalized and will be published over the summer. In
addition, each summer, service levels will increase to six return trips per
week.
Freight Service
Freight service will be provided on a separate train, making two return
trips between Cochrane and Moosonee each week.
Policies and Procedures
Ontario Northland will also be introducing changes to policies and
procedures in order to offer its passengers a more professional train service.
Improvements to the reservation, train boarding/assigned seating, baggage,
vehicle transportation and no smoking policies will come into effect on June
5, 2007.
June 5 to August 31, 2007 Polar Bear Express Passenger Train Schedule
The train will run six days each week (no service on Mondays):----------------------------------------------------------
Northbound: Cochrane to Southbound: Moosonee to
Moosonee Cochrane
----------------------------------------------------------
Cochrane 9:00 a.m. Moosonee 6:00 p.m.
----------------------------------------------------------
Clute > Galeton >
----------------------------------------------------------
Wurtele > Renison >
----------------------------------------------------------
Island Falls > Moose River 7:07 p.m.
----------------------------------------------------------
Brownrigg > Onakawana >
----------------------------------------------------------
Fraserdale 10:45 a.m. Ranoke >
----------------------------------------------------------
Otter Rapids > Coral 8:15 p.m.
----------------------------------------------------------
Coral 11:25 a.m. Otter Rapids >
----------------------------------------------------------
Ranoke > Fraserdale 8:57 p.m.
----------------------------------------------------------
Onakawana > Brownrigg >
----------------------------------------------------------
Moose River 12:35 p.m. Island Falls >
----------------------------------------------------------
Renison > Wurtele >
----------------------------------------------------------
Galeton > Clute >
----------------------------------------------------------
Moosonee 1:45 p.m. Cochrane 10:42 p.m.
----------------------------------------------------------
> Flag stop only.
Shuttle service to connect to the Polar Bear Express is also available for
the following communities daily, except Mondays:
----------------------------------------------------------
Northbound Shuttle Southbound Shuttle
----------------------------------------------------------
Timmins 6:30 a.m. Cochrane 11:00 p.m.
----------------------------------------------------------
South Porcupine 6:45 a.m. Iroquois Falls 11:35 p.m.
----------------------------------------------------------
Iroquois Falls 7:25 a.m. South Porcupine 12:15 a.m.
----------------------------------------------------------
Cochrane 8:00 a.m. Timmins 12:30 a.m.
----------------------------------------------------------Reservations and More Information
Customers are encouraged to contact an Ontario Northland representative
to make a reservation and learn more about the new train service:
Cochrane - Ontario Northland Station
------------------------------------
1.705.272.4228 or 1.800.265.2356
Open Daily, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Moosonee - Ontario Northland Station
------------------------------------
1.705.336.2210
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to
6:30 p.m. (Closed Mondays)
Timmins - Ontario Northland Station
-----------------------------------
1.705.264.1377
Open Daily 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
E-mail: passengercareontc.on.ca
Web: www.ontarionorthland.ca - Passenger Services
Background
The Little Bear Train
---------------------
Ontario Northland's Little Bear train (Little Bear) is a mixed train,
carrying both passengers and freight (regular and express freight, baggage and
vehicles), which travels between Cochrane and Moosonee, Ontario. The train
travels north to Moosonee on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and south to
Cochrane on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, of each week. Moosonee, located
300 km from Cochrane, is accessible by air and rail only. Residents from the
communities of Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Kashechewan and Moose Factory are
also heavily reliant on the Little Bear train service. The train first entered
into service in 1932.
The Polar Bear Express Train
----------------------------
The Polar Bear Express, a summer excursion train, has offered tourists an
opportunity to travel from Cochrane to Moosonee to explore the James Bay Coast
since 1964.
Ontario Northland
-----------------
The Ontario Northland Transportation Commission, an operational
enterprise of the Province of Ontario, was established in 1902 and is a
recognized leader in creating prosperity in the North by providing innovative
transportation and telecommunication solutions. Operating primarily in
northeastern Ontario, Ontario Northland's enterprises include: the
Northlander, Little Bear, Polar Bear Express and Dream Catcher Express
passenger trains; rail freight services; motor coach scheduled and charter
services; refurbishment services; and Ontera telecommunication services. For
more information about Ontario Northland, visit www.ontarionorthland.ca.
For further information: Media Contact: Beverly Martin, Manager of
Public Relations, Ontario Northland, c) (705) 845-8884, e) bmartin@ontc.on.ca
