VIA Rail

[Urban Sky]

This still seems to be an issue even though there’s been no info to travelers. I’m currently on train 33 from Montreal to Ottawa. Just left Coteaux at 10:30, rather late, and immediately accelerated up to 130km/h after being stuck at 70-90km/h since Montreal. I only found of the delays here when looking up if it’s already discussed.

Go to VIA’s main page, click on “Service Status” and then expand the rider for “Québec-Windsor Corridor”:


It could be shown more prominent (e.g., already at the point of booking), for sure, but you can easily find it when you suspect that something might be more delayed than usual…

 

[ManyQuestions]

Go to VIA’s main page, click on “Service Status” and then expand the rider for “Québec-Windsor Corridor”:
View attachment 606102View attachment 606103

It could be shown more prominent (e.g., already at the point of booking), for sure, but you can easily find it when you suspect that something might be more delayed than usual…

I can find it now that you pointed it out but didn’t see it when booking on Saturday, I only learned of the delay when boarding hadn’t started by 8:55 but only direct communication I received was the 9am departure was updated on the departure board to 9:26 at 8:58.

Not a big complaint, just noting that it seems to be being treated as a regular delay and not a longer term schedule change. Honestly has been a great trip, my first time in economy on the venture sets. Much better ride quality than the LRCs and better seats. Haven’t used VIA much since I had a student pass but I had certainly improved greatly despite getting more expensive and still having the same delays from shared tracks.

 

[Bordercollie]

Probably because the Alexandra sub is owned by via. You would find most issues on the Kingston sub..

This still seems to be an issue even though there’s been no info to travelers. I’m currently on train 33 from Montreal to Ottawa. Just left Coteaux at 10:30, rather late, and immediately accelerated up to 130km/h after being stuck at 70-90km/h since Montreal. I only found of the delays here when looking up if it’s already discussed.

Interestingly, the train just slowed to 70 for the CP line crossing before reaccelerating to 140, the top speed of the journey so far.

 

[Allandale25]

 

[Bordercollie]

View attachment 606870

Basically we spent a billion dollars on junk.

 

[Urban Sky]

Basically we spent a billion dollars on junk.

It’s easy to believe so if you can’t remember any of the previous fleet introductions:

Re: Conventional equipment on VIA 22

groups.io

 

[Bordercollie]

It’s easy to believe so if you can’t remember any previous fleet introductions:
View attachment 606879

Re: Conventional equipment on VIA 22

groups.io

Do we at least know what the issues are?

Also the fact that they tested train sets to be able towed during the testing phase why doesn't it work in real life?

I still think the bright line configuration would have been more reliable.

 

[micheal_can]

I don't know f the biggest problem is the new trains breaking down, or the response by management when they break down.

 

[TTCdinosaur]

I am convinced this country will never know how to build public transit. Best solution is to buy a car and take care of yourself. Do they give you lobotomy the minute you join any government or government agency?

 

[micheal_can]

I am convinced this country will never know how to build public transit. Best solution is to buy a car and take care of yourself. Do they give you lobotomy the minute you join any government or government agency?

When I joined the RCN, they tried. They were unsuccessful, but boy did they try.

The problem is no one wants to help pay for anything for the good of the country anymore. We are living in the 'me' era that came from the 'me' generation.

 

[nfitz]

I am convinced this country will never know how to build public transit. Best solution is to buy a car and take care of yourself. Do they give you lobotomy the minute you join any government or government agency?

The issue doesn't seem to be the government. This is all on CN. Amtrak has used the same trains for a while in the USA, and there are no restrictions on Metrolinx-controlled track. CN needs to improve the equipment at their level crossings.

 

[Urban Sky]

Do we at least know what the issues are?

From what I understand, the issues arise when attempting to release the trainset after another train has been attached to tow the stranded train.

Also the fact that they tested train sets to be able towed during the testing phase why doesn't it work in real life?

I believe the trainsets are generally capable of getting towed, it’s just not yet reliable. Certain issues just show themselves in revenue operations.

I still think the bright line configuration would have been more reliable.

Sure, but having 5 cars gettings towed by 8400 horsepowers just escalates capital (locomotives are more expensive than cab cars) and operating (fuel and maintenance) costs…

 

[Allandale25]

@smallspy @crs1026 is there any sense of what it would cost to add the shunt enhancement solution to the Venture sets? $10 million? How long would it take?

 

[Urban Sky]

@smallspy @crs1026 is there any sense of what it would cost to add the shunt enhancement solution to the Venture sets? $10 million? How long would it take?

My unqualified gut feeling would say that $10 million and one year would be a plausible time and cost frame…

 

[smallspy]

Do we at least know what the issues are?

Yeah. Primarily teething.

Also the fact that they tested train sets to be able towed during the testing phase why doesn't it work in real life?

They've run in J-trains in service, so I'm not sure why you continue to believe the bullshit that continues to be spouted online.

I still think the bright line configuration would have been more reliable.

And more expensive to buy, maintain and operate. Are you willing to pay more for your ticket and your taxes to cover the difference?

@smallspy @crs1026 is there any sense of what it would cost to add the shunt enhancement solution to the Venture sets? $10 million? How long would it take?

It depends entirely on the complexity of the solution. If it is something like what Amtrak is testing, and what is used in parts of Europe? Yeah, I could see Urban Sky's estimate being accurate.

Dan