Sarnia-Lambton's MP is once again highlighting the need for improved rail service locally.
Marilyn Gladu welcomed the Conservative Shadow Transport Minister Melissa Lantsman to the area on Friday.
Gladu said all the region has heard over the years is empty promises.
"There have been promises made by VIA, the government and there is no action happening so that's where we need to raise our voices and be loud because we really need to get back to the four trains a day service," said Gladu. "Students need to be able to get to their universities and colleges, people that have medical appointments in London need connectivity to be able to get there and certainly with the loss of air-service, rail becomes even more important."
There is currently one VIA Rail train in and out of Sarnia daily.
In 2015, VIA Rail Canada announced plans to expand passenger service to four trains a day in and out of the city by 2016.
"The analysis has been done, we know what we need, but really there are four routes [the 85,88, 82 and 83] that need to be reestablished and at the other end, the connectivity to get to hospitals, universities and really to get to Pearson Airport is another key juncture."
Gladu said while on a quick tour of the area, she and MP Melissa Lantsman also discussed ongoing COVID-related travel issues including the ArriveCAN app, the city's oversized load corridor project, Chris Hadfield Airport and rising inflation costs.
"We've seen where people on a fixed income are having to make very difficult choices," she said. "Homelessness is increasing, people going to the food bank is increasing, it's really for the federal government to do similar to what the provincial government did and cut back taxes on gas and take measures to get their spending under control, to get this inflation under control."
