Via Rail has provided $31 million in travel vouchers to numerous passengers who faced train delays exceeding one hour since last autumn, mainly due to new speed regulations at rail crossings on CN tracks. The vouchers, equivalent to 50% of fares, are granted to travelers when trains are delayed over one hour on the Quebec City-Windsor route, Via’s busiest section. The compensation increases to 100% when delays surpass four hours.
The $31 million sum represents 7% of Via’s total revenue in 2024, showcasing the challenges encountered by passengers amid significant delays following a conflict with CN during the previous Thanksgiving period. Jacques Roy, a logistics expert and retired HEC Montréal professor, expressed concern over the penalties, emphasizing the negative impact on taxpayers and users, labeling it as substandard service.
CN’s implementation of speed restrictions at all rail crossings utilized by Via a year ago led to the conflict. CN justified the restrictions by citing concerns that their new trains may not consistently activate safety mechanisms due to their length or weight. Prior to the dispute, 45% of Via trains along the route were punctual in August 2024, declining to 29% by August this year, causing frustration among passengers already facing reliability issues.
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon criticized Via’s performance, deeming it unacceptable and detrimental to both passengers and the company’s business strategy. The disagreement between CN and Via revolves around the axle count on Via’s Venture trains introduced in 2022. CN requires 32 axles to ensure proper activation of safety measures at rail crossings, but Via’s locomotive and five-car configuration falls short with only 24 axles.
As a result, Via and CN reached a temporary agreement in August, allowing trains to operate at a consistent, albeit reduced, speed over longer stretches without confirming safety system activations, aiming to mitigate delays. Via’s spokesperson, Karl Helou, acknowledged the potential benefits of the revised approach in streamlining operations and enhancing reliability for passengers but cautioned that it is premature to assess its full impact.
Although CN argues that the speed limits guarantee prompt activation of safety features at rail crossings, the dispute remains unresolved in Quebec’s Superior Court, with the Ministry of Transport seeking a resolution between the parties. Both Via and CN prioritize safety but differ on the severity of the crossing issues and necessary protective measures for passengers.