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First, there really does not appear to be a topic category for Canadian passenger trains here at the Forum, and I have seen Canadian passenger topics posted here in the past. While I make every effort to adhere to topic categories in my topic originations around here, here is a VIA related topic.
By now, all who read TRAINS have surely reviewed the August issue's "tee off" on VIA Rail. Of great surprise, it is authored by "rah rah passenger trains" Bob Johnston. However, as we all know, TRAINS is extremely protective of its copyrighted material so no link is available to it.
I have long held that VIA delivers very little "bang for the buck" to Canadian taxpayers. By comparison, Amtrak "has the aroma of a rose".
Very briefly, the article is a litany of poor train performance, aging equipment, remote area service obligations, and little support from Ottawa. No mention one way or the other of the often reported superb "Canadian" on-board service.
It will be interesting to hear any comments from those who have had more experience traveling VIA than have I (my last trip was June 1980).
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Hey there GBN....As you say....you haven’t been on VIA since June 1980 or 36 years ago so you are really in no position to comment other than direct us to an article written by others.
But I think I am as I’ve just returned from a quick Amtrak-VIA long weekend sampler.
First up was a trip on the Downeaster and with the physical gap in Boston.....keeps it isolated from the rest of the NEC and in its own little niche with an excellent crew and service. But like other trips I’ve had on the Downeaster.... it gets my hopes up that Amtrak just might have changed south of there. Not!
Continuing on a regional to New York and then the Maple Leaf I found the equipment fine although getting a little threadbare and we ran pretty close to schedule but it was the crew attitude I noticed the most. And the best way I can describe the Conductors and operating crew I came in contact with was very militaristic! Not a ‘thanks....enjoy your trip” attitude and the couple of cafe car attendants...not much better. They certainly weren’t working for tips and they didn’t get one!
The Maple Leaf becomes a VIA train at Niagara Falls ON. The equipment might be Amtrak’s but the crew is now VIA’s and the difference is night and day! VIA doesn’t have Conductors.....but a ‘Service’ Manager and that is exactly what he was giving as he scanned boarding passes and smart-phones with a quick Hi & Thanks to everyone.
Next up was a ride in one of the recently refurbished LRC Business Class Cars and this is where VIA really comes through with service from a great crew providing a before dinner drinks then a hot meal followed by dessert.
VIA provides a Business Class car on just about every train in the Quebec City Windsor Corridor. And VIA Business Class is similar to Acela First Class....Not like Amtrak Business Class (or glorified coach with a free half-can of warm pop!)
I connected in Montreal to the Ocean.....and not a complaint. Most railfans would prefer the Budd Equipment but I enjoy the smooth riding Renaissance vs the rattle and vibrate of a Chateau Sleeper....then tack on a Park Car and you get the best of both worlds IMHO.
Again....great service from the wine tasting offered in the Park.....to the meals in the Dining Car.
VIA might have their problems from lack of funding....but it’s their crews the passengers see and they shine.
The Trains article compared numbers between VIA and Amtrak.....but VIA serves a country larger than the US with only about 1/10th the population. In 2015, VIA carried 3.8 million passengers, Amtrak 30.8 million so on a per capita basis....VIA actually carried slightly more of the Canadian population than Amtrak did in the US.
Posts: 239 | Registered: Feb 2004
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