‘Ludicrous’: VIA Rail stopping service at Guildwood, Malton stations

VIA Rail has announced it will stop stopping at Guildwood and Malton stations, starting next month. The company claims this decision will improve travel times. However, locals in Scarborough disagree, stating they will face significant inconveniences. Travelers will now need to reach Union Station or Oshawa before connecting with VIA service.

A subway rider told CityNews, "I’m very surprised and very inconvenienced. It’s extremely frustrating. This is my route of travel. Well, it obviously won’t be anymore." The announcement, buried in a schedule adjustments memo on VIA's website, has caught many riders off guard. The changes are set to take effect on October 25. A Scarborough-Guildwood councillor, who is contesting re-election, expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, "I’m not happy at all.

I put a social media blast out yesterday and I’m already getting emails from residents. When your options for VIA service are either Union station or Oshawa, and you’re in Scarborough, that is not an option." VIA Rail argues that passengers can use GO trains instead, but this solution is criticized as "ludicrous" by one commuter.

The railway stated, "VIA Rail will no longer serve Guildwood and Malton to improve overall travel times, given their proximity to Toronto Union Station and easy access to GO Transit and other local transit services." VIA also outlined additional changes between Toronto and Ottawa, which will result in an average reduction of one daily train.