Welland's NDP MP holding a public meeting to access the impact of VIA rail cuts on the Niagara Region.

VIA Rail cut several Niagara Falls to Toronto routes last year, citing poor ridership levels and duplication of routes with GO Transit buses.

Malcolm Allen points out after saying ridership was down, a VIA spokesman than contradicted that statement saying the Niagara to Toronto numbers were steady.

Allen believes  the routes were chopped because the federal government cut funding to VIA.

Allen would like to see a federal transit strategy for the busy Windsor to Quebec City corridor with lines feeding in from smaller communities such as Niagara.

Anyone who would like to give input on the VIA rail cuts is invited to attend a public meeting hosted by Allen February 20th at the Welland Civic Square in the community room starting at 7pm.