The Ontario government has confirmed the arrival of the first of three new Northlander trainsets as part of plans to restore passenger rail services between Timmins and Toronto later this year.
The Northlander service is set to cover 740 kilometres with 16 stops, including a connection to Cochrane. Full passenger service is expected to begin in 2026.
The newly delivered trainset is undergoing testing and commissioning in Toronto before being moved north, where further trials will take place along the full corridor to meet safety and operational requirements.
A rendering of the new Northlander trainset
© Ontario Government
Ontario has purchased three trainsets from Siemens, each comprising a locomotive and three passenger cars with 169 seats. The trains include accessible seating, wide aisles, accessible washrooms, charging ports and Wi-Fi.
Northlander interior
© Ontario Northland
Chad Evans, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Northland said:
The arrival of the first of three new trainsets marks a major milestone on our journey toward the new era of the Northlander. Designed with comfort, accessibility and safety top of mind, these new trainsets will offer a modern and reliable travel experience for all passengers. We are excited to continue to build momentum as we move another step closer to the launch of service.
Preparatory work along the route is already underway. Construction of the Timmins–Porcupine Station began in 2025, platform reconstruction and shelter installation contracts have been awarded, and the North Bay Rail Bypass has been completed, reducing journey times by an estimated 15 minutes.
Once operational, the Northlander is expected to improve access to employment, education and health services across Northern Ontario, while supporting regional industries and strengthening the province’s integrated transport network.
The project forms part of the province’s broader transportation programme aimed at improving links between northern and southern communities.
Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation said:
Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is delivering on its promise to bring back the Northlander. The Northlander is a key part of our $100 billion plan to build transit and highways so we can protect Ontario and connect families to good jobs, housing and the services they rely on.