Will The Northland and Other Passenger Trains Be Able To Survive in Northern Ontario?

In this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with Linda Savory-Gordon, who is involved with multiple non-for-profit organizations including sitting on the boards of both MTA Inc and CAPT.

We explore the decline of passenger rail and public transportation in rural Canada, the real-life consequences for people who rely on it, and the grassroots movements working to bring better service back to the North.

Linda shares insights from her work with the Coalition for Algoma Passenger Trains and explains why sustainable transportation is about more than just moving people—it’s about connecting lives.

00:00 – Intro: The case for trains in Northern Ontario
05:00 – How Linda’s personal connection to rail travel began
10:00 – The decline of passenger rail and rise of car culture
15:00 – Rail vs. roads: Why trains are a greener, smarter choice
20:00 – The role of tourism and infrastructure in train revival
25:00 – Indigenous leadership and reconciliation through rail
30:00 – The future of the Northlander and marketing to young riders
35:00 – Why public transit matters for democracy and connection
40:00 – Can trains ever compete with air travel in Canada?
45:00 – Final thoughts: What keeps Linda fighting for rail access