VIA Rail is enhancing service between Ottawa and Toronto with the introduction of several new departures. Starting today (May 27) a new 641 early-morning frequency will operate from Monday to Thursday, leaving Ottawa at 4:19 a.m. for arrival in Toronto at 8:48 a.m., with stops in Kingston, Belleville, Cobourg, and Port Hope.

Additionally, train 644, which previously operated from Friday to Sunday, begins daily service, offering passengers more midday travel options and greater flexibility.

“In recent months, stakeholders and frequent passengers from Eastern Ontario have emphasized the significance of early-morning VIA Rail services for their communities, and we took great care to listen and act on this feedback,” said VIA Rail president and CEO Mario Péloquin.

“This is why we are looking forward to offering this option for passengers who wish to travel to Toronto before 9 a.m., whether for business or leisure. We hope, and are confident, that they will answer the call and help us make this new frequency a success,” he added.

VIA says it will be closely monitoring the public response in the coming months to the changes and will implement adjustments as necessary, based on ridership and actual use. Bookings are open now.