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It could certainly lead to a reduction in competitiveness for the freight railways, especially if not done properly. There is no such thing as a free lunch.

The issue is far more complicated than it may seem to a passenger rail fan. Trading thousands of cars for thousands of trucks would not be an improvement.

I haven’t had a chance to ride on the Venture trains yet but I was wondering if anyone knows the configuration/features each of the 5 car types (things like no. of seats, accessibility features, galley, etc)?

I thought Metrolinx was leaning towards using CP’s Belleville Sub east of Oshawa.

It’s certainly far from the most optimal train for the job, but the same reasons that the Northlander, which is very similar to the White River train, will use them could also apply. Granted there are some differences. The most likely option is for it to use whatever type of cars the Canadian...

It is true that they can be ordered with knuckle couplers. I was referring to the configuration that VIA (and presumably ONR) are ordering. I suspect the issue is moot anyway, as I can't see the White River train ever needing more than the minimum 3 cars; however, if they did, they would...

Much easier, especially for the Northern Quebec trains, as they are already based out of MMC anyway. Even easier would be to base it on whatever car type the Ocean will use, assuming the long distance fleet replacement happens. Or replace the business class car with a baggage car. Not sure how...

I did some digging and you are right. It appears as though (according to Wikipedia) because: "The KISS trains are compliant with the FRA alternative Tier-I crash-worthiness standard," and "the positive train control system that is being installed on the Caltrain line," "Caltrain KISS trains...

Are the FLIRTs approved for use anywhere in North America that doesn't have temporal separation from freight? I was under the impression that the FRA only allows non-compliant DMUs to be used with temporal separation.

If VIA had a fleet of DMUs, then maybe. An order of one (or two if you want a spare) custom DMUs approved for use on an active freight mainline line by TC, and then supporting the maintenance for that unique trainset would be rather costly. If part of a bigger, long distancer fleet replacement...

This Backgrounder from 2010 said that all 6 of VIA’s RDCs were to have been refurbished by the end of 2011. That’s 12 years ago, so the ones in use are likely due to be refurbished again soon, and the ones in storage at MMC likely need work to un-mothball them. A step sideways maybe, to dodge...

I don’t think anyone was scarfing at the idea of replacing the RDCs with HEP equipment, it was the idea of using HEPs to provide additional service on new and existing routes (the Gaspé train doesn’t count, as it’s an existing route that has been suspended, so when it does come back, it won’t...

An interesting idea, though I’m sure most on here would be vehemently opposed, as it doesn’t serve the centre of the universe Toronto. 😜

Not at all. The per passenger carbon emissions of a vehicle are directly proportional to its weight and inversely proportional to number of passengers transported. The vast majority of a passenger vehicle’s mass is the vehicle itself, so if it transports more passengers, the per passenger carbon...

The NCC is not a level of government, but as a crown corporation, they are only responsible to the Federal Government and don't have to listen to the cities of Ottawa or Gatineau. The mayors of Ottawa and Gatineau do have seats on the board, but on a non-voting basis, so they have an opportunity...

Re-opening Ottawa's Union Station wouldn't require much if any tunneling, but I'm not holding my breath as there are many other challenges. For VIA, their current station is good enough. A downtown station would only really be needed for commuter rail. The problem is Ottawa is too small and...

They keep their body occupied instead with physical activity. They can do in their backyard for free what city folks spend big bucks on their vacations to do.

The problem with Commuter Rail is it makes the false assumption that everyone works downtown. In North America this is becoming less and less common with decentralization. Instead of a hub and spoke system (with downtown being the hub) what is needed is a grid network. For example, the Skytrain...

I’m guessing that they have implemented a rule that doesn’t permit overnight layovers. Probably not a horrible thing, as one might not realize that a hotel would be necessary (some might assume that since they have accordions on the Canadian, accommodations would be included for the entire...

Ahh okay. So western Toronto. 👍 Edit: Looking at RAC, I’m guessing this is on CN’s Oakville spur?