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VIA Rail
- Thread starter ehlow
- Start date
Urban Sky
Senior Member
Okay, so you want to basically keep the Canadian, but add a buffer in Winnipeg to make sure that it leaves it without delay? The problem is that the current fleet limits the Canadian to four consists (for instance, I read somewhere online that there are only four Prestige Park cars and that there are only two spare diners during the peak period). Therefore, any additional buffer built into the schedule at Winnipeg will go at the expense of the turn-around time at either end (Toronto or Vancouver).
The question is whether whatever problem you are trying to solve is still that much of an issue ever since VIA changed its schedule on July 26, which (among other positive effects) dramatically reduced the occurrence of late arrivals of Train 2 delaying the departure of Train 1 in Toronto:
Note: year-to-date figures for 2018.
Compiled with data obtained from: VIA Rail's website
Also, the absence of a third weekly frequency east of Edmonton during the 2019 summer season allows to increase the buffer times between train arrival and departure at Toronto and Vancouver further:
Note: trains in grey only operate during the summer season (usually: end-April to mid-October).
Compiled with data obtained from: VIA Rail's website
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micheal_can
Senior Member
If I had it my way, the turn around time in Vancouver or Toronto would still be the same, just 12 hours later than now. In Winnipeg, yes, have that 12 hour buffer to keep it as on time as possible. However, if the current schedule has fixed the huge delays that can happen, then it is not needed.
crs1026
Superstar
I’m dubious that a stop in the north GTA would build much business for VIA. When I have rode the Canadian, the clientelle mostly ran to ‘cruise’ tourists who needed to connect to airlines, other VIA trains, or who planned on laying over in a downtown hotel. A north GTA stop benefitted very few.
When you consider that the Canadian runs to 20+ cars in summer.... ie longer than any GO platform... and when you consider that GO stations have no amenities to handle checked baggage, let alone VIA ticketing and checkin, I can’t see this idea as helping current customers or adding business.
I would feel differently if a ‘Northlander’ service to Huntsville and beyond ever got off the ground, as there might be convenience for some customers to not have to backtrack to/from Union. But for the Canadian.... I just can’t see it.
- Paul
When you consider that the Canadian runs to 20+ cars in summer.... ie longer than any GO platform... and when you consider that GO stations have no amenities to handle checked baggage, let alone VIA ticketing and checkin, I can’t see this idea as helping current customers or adding business.
I would feel differently if a ‘Northlander’ service to Huntsville and beyond ever got off the ground, as there might be convenience for some customers to not have to backtrack to/from Union. But for the Canadian.... I just can’t see it.
- Paul
JasonParis
Moderator
VIA in the GTA includes Toronto-Union, Oakville, Aldershot, Brampton, Scarborough... and I think that's it?
One from the north clearly makes sense, at least on a map, although, that's still ony 3x trains/week either direction too and not likely to increase much. Reintallment of the ON Northland could help though.
micheal_can
Senior Member
You forgot Oshawa.
JasonParis
Moderator
That's so funny. When I wrote that I had it in my mind, but then forgot it.
MisterF
Senior Member
And Guildwood.
steveintoronto
Superstar
That's "Scarborough".
MisterF
Senior Member
Ah, gotcha. Don't I look silly thinking Scarborough is Scarborough
crs1026
Superstar
Malton.
I have overheard the Service Manager radioing the head end to say they actually need to stop there today.
“We do? Seriously? Okay, cool”
Suspect it isn’t an everyday occurrence.
- Paul
TOareaFan
Superstar
I have used Via to from Brampton on many occasions (although not for a long time) and have never witnessed a stop at Malton......so, no, not an every day thing ?
ShonTron
Moderator
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Georgetown is in the GTA.
JasonParis
Moderator
I can see the Malton station being moved to Woodbine should Etobicoke North get moved. Especially so, if the UPX also stops at Woodbine.
JasonParis
Moderator
A larger discussion should probably be happening with Pearson though on what station (or stations) should become hubs. The options being Woodbine, Malton and/or on Pearson itself.