Northlander passenger train ticket prices announced, with stops in Washago, Muskoka

The province has released the fares for the Northlander passenger train once it returns to service, with prices set 10 per cent above the standard rate of travel on the existing Ontario Northland bus service.

In a news release, the government said the price is designed to be competitive and accessible, while reflecting the cost of operating a more reliable and consistent passenger rail service.

There are 16 stops on the route between Toronto and Cochrane, including Washago, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Huntsville.

A ticketing platform will be available closer to launch so passengers can book travel in advance and access the lowest fares.

"When I saw the fares, I thought, boy, this is economic," Premier Doug Ford said at a news conference in North Bay on Thursday. "They have discounts for everything from veterans to seniors to families. They priced it very competitively, and what I've seen, it's about 10 per cent more than a bus ride. And I love buses, but, man, if you have a choice between that bus and this? night and day."

The Northlander was pulled by the then-Liberal government in 2012.

Testing on three train sets continues, and there is no official date for the launch of the service, which is expected to begin this year.

Ford rejected a reporter's suggestion that many people in the north feel the late schedule for the Northlander train does not meet their needs.

"I am fully going to disagree. This isn't going to be like the TTC where you get a delivery every 15 minutes."

The anticipated launch fares for the Northlander passenger rail service are listed below. These are standard one-way fares, with discounted rates available for:

• seniors
• students
• military personnel
• passengers travelling for medical purposes, as well as their attendants

More information about the Northlander’s fare structure is available on Ontario Northland.