Via Rail has provided $31 million in travel vouchers to numerous passengers affected by train delays exceeding one hour since last autumn, primarily due to new speed restrictions at rail crossings on CN tracks. Passengers traveling on the Quebec City-Windsor route, the most heavily used section in Via’s network, are eligible for travel vouchers valued at 50% of their fares for delays over an hour, with the value increasing to 100% for delays surpassing four hours.
The $31 million in vouchers represents about seven percent of Via’s total revenues in 2024, underscoring the challenges faced by passengers who have encountered significant delays following a conflict with CN during the Thanksgiving weekend last year. Jacques Roy, a retired logistics professor at HEC Montréal, expressed concerns over the situation, emphasizing the negative impact on taxpayers and passengers alike.
CN introduced speed restrictions a year ago at all rail crossings used by Via, citing concerns that the new Via trains might not trigger safety measures adequately due to their length and weight. Consequently, the punctuality of Via trains on the Quebec City-Windsor route dropped from 45% to 29% between August 2024 and August 2025. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon criticized Via’s performance, emphasizing the need for improvements to benefit passengers and the company’s operations.
The dispute between CN and Via revolves around the axle count on Via’s newer Venture trains, which do not meet CN’s requirements to activate safety features at rail crossings. This led to Via trains being forced to slow down significantly at crossings, causing unprecedented delays. To address this issue, Via and CN reached a temporary agreement in August, allowing trains to maintain a consistent albeit reduced speed over longer distances without the need for manual safety system confirmation.
Although the initial outcomes are positive, Via spokesperson Karl Helou cautioned that it is too early to declare the issues fully resolved. Both Via and CN maintain a commitment to safety but remain at odds regarding the severity of problems at rail crossings and the necessary measures to ensure passenger protection. The ongoing dispute is currently under review by Quebec’s Superior Court, and efforts are underway to facilitate an agreement between the two parties with the involvement of the Ministry of Transport.
