Via Rail has issued $31 million in travel vouchers to numerous passengers who experienced train delays exceeding one hour since last autumn. These delays mainly stemmed from new speed limitations at rail crossings on CN tracks.
Passengers traveling on the Quebec City-Windsor route, the busiest segment in Via’s network, are eligible for travel vouchers equivalent to 50% of their fares when a delay surpasses an hour. This offer increases to 100% for delays exceeding four hours.
The $31 million sum represents approximately 7% of Via’s total revenues in 2024, underscoring the challenges faced by passengers due to unprecedented delays following a conflict with CN during the previous Thanksgiving weekend.
Jacques Roy, a logistics expert from HEC Montréal, expressed concern over the situation, stating that such penalties are unfavorable for taxpayers and particularly burdensome for travelers, reflecting poorly on the quality of service.
CN implemented speed restrictions a year ago at all rail crossings used by Via, citing concerns that their new trains may not consistently trigger safety measures due to their length and weight. Consequently, on-time performance along the Quebec City-Windsor corridor dropped from 45% to 29% between August 2024 and August of the subsequent year.
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon criticized Via’s performance as unacceptable, emphasizing the negative impact on passengers and the company’s operational efficiency. Via and CN have been at odds over the number of axles on Via’s new Venture trains, leading to delays and disruptions in train schedules.
After experiencing record delays, Via and CN reached a temporary agreement in August, allowing trains to maintain a steady albeit reduced speed over longer distances without mandating confirmation of safety system activation at every crossing. This adjustment aims to streamline operations, potentially reducing delays and enhancing reliability for passengers.
While initial results are promising, Via spokesperson Karl Helou cautioned that further assessments are required to determine the lasting effects of this operational change. The ongoing dispute between Via and CN is currently subject to legal proceedings, with both parties emphasizing their commitment to safety but differing on the optimal approach to address challenges at rail crossings.
