The Orford Express, a scenic tourist train parked in Magog since 2019, is set for a comeback. The goal is to reintroduce the train to service by spring 2025, following a hiatus since its official closure in 2020.
Nikolai Ray, co-owner of the Orford Express, credits the possible revival on extensive government support received, including grants from provincial and federal levels and endorsements from municipalities. The new service will be a collaborative effort between governmental and private sectors.
The project extends beyond borders, with positive receptions from officials in neighboring U.S. states. While challenges persist in coordinating efforts and timing, Ray expresses optimism fueled by widespread enthusiasm for the endeavor.
Ray hopes that the new service will be more than a “restaurant on rails”. Though it will start out as a tourist attraction, he hopes it will eventually become a new sustainable transportation option within the region and into the U.S. as a passenger train.
