In 1907 the Quebec Atlantic Oriental Railway was built from Matapédia through New Carlisle to Port Daniel, and gradually extended until it reached Gaspé.

Before that, inhabitants had to drive by horse or sleigh 180 miles (290 km) to catch the Intercolonial Railway from Matapédia to Montreal, a journey of four days.

In August 2013, VIA Rail service once again was suspended between Matapédia and New Carlisle owing to poor track and bridge conditions.

As of 17 September 2013, both rail and bus service in the affected portion were suspended, and no timeline for re-establishment was released.

In 2020, repair work was finally underway and the rail section from Matapédia to Port Daniel was expected to be operational in late 2023.