As I sit down to write this, I’m on the train from London’s Victoria Station to Portsmouth on the south coast of England. I travelled to London from York this morning and, despite a delay in York that made me miss my connection in London by just one minute, I’m feeling a bit of train envy.
I’m always amazed at the excellent train service in England and other countries. Our train service in Canada is pitiful. When I travel to Toronto from Kitchener for work, I usually choose the GO Train—a journey of 108 kilometres that takes just under two hours. And we have no train service on weekends, and our evening service is sparse.
By comparison, my journey from York to London this morning took about the same amount of time as that train from Kitchener to Toronto. But the distance travelled is 323 kilometres. Three times the distance in the same amount of time!
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Will we ever get high speed rail in North America?
Although high speed rail is not available on all routes in England, most small towns and cities have a train station connecting them with larger centres, making it easy to travel across the country. In Canada, most small- to mid-size towns have no rail service and service is infrequent on routes that remain.
I recognize that high-speed train travel doesn’t make sense in many parts of Canada but in the Windsor to Quebec City Corridor where I live, it’s a no-brainer.
Despite my delay and missing my connection in London, I’m still feeling train envy and hoping we will one day have improved rail service in Canada and the United States.
Transport Canada has issued a Request for Proposal for a high speed, high frequency rail project between Toronto and Quebec City. This could all but replace short haul flights between Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec City. It’s a start, but time will tell if it will be built in my lifetime.
Until then, I will continue to hope the Ontario government delivers on their promise of improved two-way, all-day GO Train service between Kitchener and Toronto. At least then I would never need to drive to Toronto again!
My travels this week
I will leave you with some pictures of my travels this week. After leaving London on Sunday, I spent a couple of days in my home county of Lancashire. Then, I went to Yorkshire for a few days to visit my childhood friend.
How is the public transit service where you live? Drop me a comment below and let me know.
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Your photos are beautiful.
I have mixed feelings about the train issue. I used to have to ride the train up and down the (US) Northeast corridor–it was usually uncomfortable and moderately inconvenient. Trains out of the US seem much nicer (I can’t tell how much of that is actually true, and how much is my improved attitude on vacation).
I agree that the trains in Europe tend to be more modern and they’re definitely more convenient. The commuter trains I take into Toronto are nowhere near as nice.
Beautiful places to go. I know Pleasington particularly well. Enjoy the rest of your time in the UK. 😀
Thanks, Rachel. Pleasington is lovely. We had a wonderful dinner at the Clog & Billycock. My brother-in-law’s memorial service was at the Pleasington Priory which is such a beautiful church.
We have zero public transit in our bursting at the seams town. Only Taxis and a mini van for a town with well over 12,000 people. No incentives for enviro cleaner transit.
I know. It’s ridiculous. We have to find a way to reduce our dependence on cars.
Love your beautiful pictures, Michelle! So good – and it looks like a marvelous trip. And I so relate to train envy. Seattle’s mass transit is poor although we’re at least working on it.
Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip!
Thanks Wynne. It has been a wonderful trip. Just a few days left and I’ll be spending it on the Isle of Wight. It’s beautiful here. I’m hoping the rain stops so we can see more of the island before we leave.
It’s encouraging to hear that some cities are working on transit improvements. The city where I live put in a light rail system a few years back. People (mostly those my age or older) did nothing but complain about how it was a waste of money and we didn’t need it. North Americans have a lot of work to do to embrace public transit.
Trains here in Belgium are as excellent as in the UK I guess. While reading your post I was nodding because it sounds very much alike. I can understand your envy, trains are fast and environmental friendly. You only have to hope that there’s not a strike 😀. The little shop in Whitby is so cosy!
I think the train service is generally excellent in much of Europe, Cristiana. Our challenge in Canada is a relatively small population spread over such a vast country. But in the area where I live, they could definitely do much better with rail service.
These are the scenes of England that I would relish with delight Michelle, were I to visit. Of course London is full of history and well known sites, but I will always be drawn to the places where real people live in real ways and the absolute beauty that comes from being well away from the city.
You’re right, Deb. There are so many picturesque small towns and country roads here.
Oh my stars…how I love your post, Michelle. Those street scenes from Whitby? Be still my heart. Thank you…I’m so glad you’re having a terrific trip. Grateful to you for taking the time to share with us! Safe travels! 🥰
When I posted those Whitby photos on Facebook, a friend of mine said they reminded her of the Harry Potter films. It really is a beautiful place.
I’ll be on the Isle of Wight at my sisters for the rest of my trip. It’s beautiful here. Now if only it would stop raining.
Have a wonderful Sunday, Vicki.
Ah…I see the Harry Potter ambiance…the coppery-looking wet stones. Moody!
Enjoy every minute, Michelle! Be sure to post more photos…love them. 🥰
🤗💚🤗