The storm of a lifetime (as some of the media called it – wow!) hit December 23rd, 2022. Then a CN train derailed on December 24th near Grafton Ontario, which shut down a stretch of track that left passengers on Via Rail over 18 hours with no food or water and bathrooms out-of-service.
Not only was Via rail shut down for the entire holiday weekend but they were still taking reservations as some passengers did buy tickets. However, when it was time for their scheduled trip there was no train service. Via rail staff said the tickets would be refunded in seven days. However, passengers are still waiting for a full refund two and a half weeks later.
Via rails’s President and CEO Martin R. Landry did offer a statement apology for cancellation, delays and stranded passengers.
“We appreciate that passengers were looking forward to holiday celebrations and family get-togethers, and we regret that for many, those plans were disrupted. We didn’t meet your expectations and for that we apologize.” – President and CEO Martin R. Landry.
The rail system in Asia and Europe seem to be far more superior to Canada. The price of taking a via train is often more costly than taking a plane. Much work needs to be done with Via rail.
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