VIA Rail

[bearcat]

I know that this is a hard concept to grasp, but having a higher speed does not necessarily mean a faster overall time.

Dan

Yes, but in the context of the recent discussion on non-stop trains between Toronto and Montreal, I assume it would?

 

[nfitz]

Yes, but in the context of the recent discussion on non-stop trains between Toronto and Montreal, I assume it would?

Given the new travel times are unchanged from the old ones, and are over 5-hours - about 75 minutes longer than VIA's historical minimum - it certainly hasn't!

 

[reaperexpress]

There have been a lot of seat reassignments recently, as my inbox can attest:
View attachment 681874

Almost all of these reassignments were for trains 62 and 63, so presumably unrelated to the Express train trial...

Trains 62 and 63 are right after trips that are converted to express. Via may be lengthening consists to accommodate the displaced passengers.

 

[robmausser]

I thought the Ventures got the LRC speed exception? Was I misinformed?

Or, are people just factoring the crossing gate slowdown/issue now.

 

[crs1026]

Introducing non-stop trains is a bit of an odd decision considering that increasing the scheduled average speed of Via trains increases the conflict with slow-moving CN trains. Maybe there was some kind of backroom deal with CN that they'd free up some high-speed slots for Via as a (small) apology for absolutely decimating their business with the level crossing speed restrictions.

You are far too kind.

More like, CN was absolutely immovable about the scheduling and VIA had no choice but to cut the stops and harvest the dwell time in order to keep some semblance of a competitive service..... Montreal through passengers being the bigger revenue potential, and the local passengers being sacrificial lambs.

- Paul

 

[reaperexpress]

You are far too kind.

More like, CN was absolutely immovable about the scheduling and VIA had no choice but to cut the stops and harvest the dwell time in order to keep some semblance of a competitive service..... Montreal through passengers being the bigger revenue potential, and the local passengers being sacrificial lambs.

- Paul

But if they're running 32-axle consists, the schedule should be achievable with the scheduled stops because there are no speed restrictions. Via says they expect the trains to arrive 30 to 40 minutes early, which is way beyond keeping up with the schedule.

 

[Trackside_Treasure]

New Transport Minister, same old case. With the fourth person in the post in a year, the hot potato has been passed yet again. This time from Chrystia Freeland to Steven MacKinnon. Having held off publication, this post gives more information on the process and its slow-moving status:

Ministerial Order - Venturing into CN's Grade Crossing Records

THE CASE SO FAR VIA's application for judicial review of CN's crossing supplements was not granted. Issued on October 12, 2024 the supplemen...

tracksidetreasure.blogspot.com

 

[Trackside_Treasure]

But if they're running 32-axle consists, the schedule should be achievable with the scheduled stops because there are no speed restrictions. Via says they expect the trains to arrive 30 to 40 minutes early, which is way beyond keeping up with the schedule.

Here's what VIA tells us: "Although the scheduled departure and arrival times have not been modified, actual arrival time could be 30 to 40 minutes earlier than the official scheduled arrival time indicated." I'm still trying to wrap my head around that statement! Sacrificing customer satisfaction to improve OTP? All for what? We're going to run on time for a change? Well, fewer stops and starts should definitely help. And instead of VIA just being an Ontario and Quebec thing to the rest of Canada, it's now a Toronto and Montreal thing to the rest of Ontario and Quebec. As predicted by me, Kingston was the first to object. (Sire, Sire the peasants are revolting! [Groucho voice]...They certainly are!)

VIA doesn't say Ventures will be used. It tells us: "Equipment for this pilot project will be selected to avoid CN crossing restrictions."

 

[nfitz]

VIA doesn't say Ventures will be used. It tells us: "Equipment for this pilot project will be selected to avoid CN crossing restrictions."

They just need to find equipment with enough axles. The engine has 24 - not many coaches needed!

 

[Trackside_Treasure]

They just need to find equipment with enough axles. The engine has 24 - not many coaches needed!

Things are looking UP!!

 

[lenaitch]

UP #80 coal turbine A-B set had 25!

 

[micheal_can]

I am confused with this express train thing.
The timetable is the same. But the stations are cut out.

Are they going to run the shorter Siemens trains at the slow order speed, but not stop at the stations with the hopes that station stops would mean a time savings to match this? Cus, if they run the 32 axle stuff on the express, then they don't have the speed restrictions, and they don't need to worry about stopping for stations, which all should mean they would be faster than the timetable.

Alternatively, I was thinking they are doing this to showcase how many passengers would use Alto as a kind of proof of concept.

Either way,I look forward to seeing what this all means once the pilot is done.

 

[Jonny5]

I am confused with this express train thing.
The timetable is the same. But the stations are cut out.

Are they going to run the shorter Siemens trains at the slow order speed, but not stop at the stations with the hopes that station stops would mean a time savings to match this? Cus, if they run the 32 axle stuff on the express, then they don't have the speed restrictions, and they don't need to worry about stopping for stations, which all should mean they would be faster than the timetable.

Alternatively, I was thinking they are doing this to showcase how many passengers would use Alto as a kind of proof of concept.

Either way,I look forward to seeing what this all means once the pilot is done.

The timetables simply haven't been updated yet.
I already had a ticket booked for what is now an express trip, and when I look at the booking it has this warning:

 

[micheal_can]

The timetables simply haven't been updated yet.
I have a ticket booked presently for one and when I look at the booking it has this warning:

View attachment 682531

This clears the mud up slightly. Still not sure of the "why"

 

[Mihairokov]

The timetables simply haven't been updated yet.
I already had a ticket booked for what is now an express trip, and when I look at the booking it has this warning:

View attachment 682531

30-40 minutes earlier than expected should put it right back at the original arrival time if you're lucky.