October 7, 2025
David Coon in Halifax to push for better rail service in NB
FREDERICTON – Green Party leader David Coon is travelling to Halifax today to attend a meet and greet that is taking place as part of Via Rail’s Board of Directors meeting. Coon’s goal for the trip is to talk to Via Rail CEO Mario Péloquin and Board Chair Jonathan Goldbloom to make the case for commuter rail in New Brunswick as a complement to Via’s current Ocean line.
“Prime Minister Carney is looking for nation building projects. What would be truly nation building is connecting the Maritimes with convenient and affordable public transportation,” said Coon. “Driving has become unaffordable for many and continues to be a significant source of carbon pollution, so accessible rail travel needs to become a priority for our region. That’s the message I will be bringing to VIA’s leadership in Halifax today. I hope Premier Holt will support me on this.”
Via’s Ocean line runs from Montreal to Halifax three times per week in each direction, making it almost impossible to use as a mode of commuter transportation for New Brunswickers trying to get around within the Maritimes. In fact, with no train on Tuesdays Coon would have had to stay overnight for two nights if he had taken the train from Moncton to Halifax.
“The current Via Rail offerings are not an option for New Brunswickers looking for regional transportation to attend medical appointments or work meetings,” added Coon. “Recently it took Megan Mitton and I over two hours just to travel from Moncton to Sackville.”
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