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micheal_can said:
Some trains are used as test beds for new technologies. With the need for a solution in Canada with these trains, putting it on a train that can be horribly late but still be acceptable, they have the chance to see whether they work or not. This train will be shorter than Via's.
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A safety related item, trialed on a grant total of three trainsets, used on a route that may only contain a small number of impacted 'predictive' crossing signals, travelling at speeds that are lower that the corridor. Ya, maybe.
 
lenaitch said:
A safety related item, trialed on a grant total of three trainsets, used on a route that may only contain a small number of impacted 'predictive' crossing signals, travelling at speeds that are lower that the corridor. Ya, maybe.
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If I were testing something safety related,I would use it somewhere that if failing would likely not cause major issues.

The other thing could be that these are no being installed on all Siemens equipment regardless of whether they are actually used or not.
 
reaperexpress said:
If Shunt Enhancers are in fact installed on the ONR trains (and it wasn't a misunderstanding by MTO) this would be huge news for Via, who has been saying it's impossible to install shunt enhancers because they're not approved for use in Canada
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They have not been certified for use by Transport Canada - they haven't even tested them yet.

It is possible that Siemens has developed some alternate mounting method for the shunt enhancers, but none of the photos of the trainset show the system as designed and tested by Amtrak, and approved by the FRA and Siemens. It would be located below the lead truck on the locomotive and lead truck of the cab car, with horizontal piping located a couple of inches above the railhead.

Dan
 
Next set will soon be on the move.

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Allandale25 said:
Opening day annoucement?

View attachment 711659
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I'll put my money on 'not'. It's still pretty out and I would suspect they would want a Venture trainset as a backdrop and no one is reporting seeing one move north.

I have a thought but will hold it to myself. These guys do like to show up to every letter opening.

Edit for clarity: "out there" meaning opening day is still pretty far off.
 
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Possibly one or more of the mini-stations are ready for a ribbon cutting. Or, there may be a planned "tour of the line" by the new trainset, just to publicise it, in the near future..

I haven't heard that the first trainset has even reached ONR. I would expect some test runs to check clearances, speed and schedule performance, and, um, crossing protection activation, well before any opening day announcement.

- Paul
 
crs1026 said:
Possibly one or more of the mini-stations are ready for a ribbon cutting. Or, there may be a planned "tour of the line" by the new trainset, just to publicise it, in the near future..

I haven't heard that the first trainset has even reached ONR. I would expect some test runs to check clearances, speed and schedule performance, and, um, crossing protection activation, well before any opening day announcement.

- Paul
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If the location is North Bay and the event involves the mayor, it won't likely be to unveil a kiosk. I haven't looked in a while but I'm not even sure the platform upgrading at the North Bay station is completed.
 
Turns out it was about The Northerlander, but I don't think the aspects mentioned are new to anyone here. Also, no mention of any new sidings.

NEWS RELEASE

Ontario Investing Over $100 Million in Northlander Rail Infrastructure​

Province completing track upgrades that will support the return of passenger rail service later this year
January 30, 2026
Ministry of Transportation
NORTH BAY — The Ontario government is nearing completion of more than $100 million worth of investments in rail infrastructure to support the return of Northlander passenger rail service to northeastern Ontario. Work underway along the corridor, including joint elimination, curve adjustments and improvements at rail crossings, will deliver a smoother ride, enhance comfort and safety, and reduce travel times for passengers. The Northlander will span 740 kilometres between Toronto and Timmins, with a rail connection to Cochrane, for a total of 16 stops, and is part of the government’s work to protect Ontario’s economy by connecting northern communities, creating good-paying jobs, supporting local industries and driving economic growth across the north.

“Our government is protecting Ontario by bringing back the Northlander and connecting thousands of people in northeastern Ontario to health care, education and economic opportunities,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “The rail work underway will help reduce travel times and deliver a smoother and more comfortable ride for passengers.”

Additional work along the corridor, which includes adding warning systems, updating signage at rail crossings and adding gates to existing crossings, will continue to enhance safety across the network.

"The return of the Northlander marks an important milestone in our government's plan to deliver new economic opportunities and safe transportation to northern Ontario families," said Vic Fedeli, Member of Provincial Parliament for Nipissing. “With work underway to enhance the rail corridor and modernize the North Bay Station, we are one step closer to restoring this Ontario staple and helping connect the people of this province."

The Ontario government has also awarded a contract for renovations at North Bay Station, which will serve the Northlander, as well as Ontario Northland’s motor coach and Bus Parcel Express services. Construction is underway to modernize the station with new digital screens, seating and service counters, as well as washroom and lighting enhancements to improve accessibility and comfort. Similar work is underway at the Cochrane and Englehart stations, with construction expected to be completed in the spring.

“Our government’s investment in track upgrades is delivering safer, smoother travel while building momentum toward the Northlander’s return,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Today’s announced improvements will make it easier and safer to move students, workers, and tourists across the north, and with construction well underway at the station in Timmins, our community is ready to welcome the Northlander back.”
The Ontario government has recently marked several milestones to support the return of the Northlander, including completing construction of the North Bay Rail Bypass, getting shovels in the ground at Timmins-Porcupine Station, reconstructing platforms and installing shelters along the Northlander corridor and marking the arrival of the first of three Northlander trainsets.

Quick Facts​

  • North Bay, Cochrane and Englehart stations will offer connections to Ontario Northland’s Motor Coach and Bus Parcel Express services.
  • Northern Ontario is home to more than 65,000 local businesses and contributed over $55.5 billion to Ontario’s GDP in 2024.
  • The Northlander will enhance Ontario’s integrated transportation network and advance work on the province’s Draft Transportation Plan for the North.
  • Ontario is investing $70 billion in the largest transit expansion in North America.
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Allandale25 said:
Turns out it was about The Northerlander, but I don't think the aspects mentioned are new to anyone here. Also, no mention of any new sidings.
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Well that was lame. The whole event and release highlighted work on ONR property. If they go through with the one siding mentioned in the business case near Zephyr, it would be giving money to CN. Maybe they didn't want to mention that (or it's off the table).
 
lenaitch said:
Well that was lame. The whole event and release highlighted work on ONR property. If they go through with the one siding mentioned in the business case near Zephyr, it would be giving money to CN. Maybe they didn't want to mention that (or it's off the table).
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Wonder if because of the state of the economy seeing CN volumes and frequencies are down, so it's less of an issue? I'd still like to see it for redundancy and certainty.
 
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