Why is VIA Rail so slow?

“The delays occur because, unlike Amtrak, VIA has no statutory right of preference over freight trains, meaning it can and often is delayed when CN freight trains are given priority. (Emphasis mine.) It is not a new problem; News Wire reported last year on a Canadian that arrived more than 24 hours late.”

What is the fastest speed of VIA Rail?

Top speed of 160 km/h is attained on all routes where this locomotive is used.

How fast is VIA Rail train?

Right now, VIA Rail passenger trains can run at a maximum speed of about 160 km/h, but it's not so much a speed boost that will make travel faster as it is the creation of dedicated tracks for the new service.

Will Canada ever get high speed rail?

Canada is moving forward with its plan to bring high-frequency rail (HFR; or TGF in French) to the Quebec City–Toronto corridor, including Ottawa and Montreal. The goal of high-frequency rail is to bring faster, more reliable train service between Quebec and Ontario.

Why are Canadian trains so long?

The railway's customers have also welcomed the longer trains, because it allows their goods to be moved more efficiently. Because of this, the country's largest railways, CN and its smaller rival, Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd., have increasingly shifted toward using longer, heavier trains to transport goods.

Why Passenger Trains Suck in Canada - VIA Rail

What is the fastest train in North America?

The Acela is the Fastest Train in the USA

The fastest train in North America is the Acela which hits 150 mph in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Amtrak is upgrading track in New Jersey for 160 mph.

Can you sleep in economy on VIA Rail?

When you select Economy Class on VIA Rail's Canadian, you are assigned a comfortable seat for the duration of your time on the train. This seat serves as your window to the world, your dining table, and your bed.

Will the US get high-speed rail?

A new high-speed train line from Las Vegas to Southern California was announced recently, marking the first bullet train in the US to begin development. The track will run 352 kilometers (218 miles) along Interstate 15, establishing an important connection between the two regions.

Why can't America build high-speed rail?

The numbers for high-speed rail can vary anywhere from 20 to 80 million per mile. The big reason why America is behind on high-speed rail is primarily money. We don't commit the dollars needed to build these systems, it's really as simple as that.

Why is via so expensive?

Limited competition: In Canada, most long-distance train routes are operated by a single company, Via Rail. This lack of competition can make it difficult for travelers to find lower prices.

What is the alternative to VIA Rail?

VIA Rail Canada's competitors and similar companies include Canadian Pacific Railway, Rocky Mountaineer, Keolis and Valley Transportation Authority.

Is there toilet in VIA Rail?

VIA Rail does offer WiFi, power outlets, bathrooms, and snacks for sale on board most of its trips.

Are there bullet trains in the US?

Amtrak's Acela, which reaches 150 mph (240 km/h) over 49.9 mi (80.3 km) of track, is the US's only high-speed rail service. Acela trains will reach top speeds of 165 mph (266 km/h) when new trains enter service, and 186 mph (299 km/h) in coming years.

How old are VIA trains?

1981. The first Light, Rapid, Comfortable (LRC) trains were delivered to Windsor Station in Montréal, making travel more practical and appealing to passengers. Another big first in 1981, the Maple Leaf, the first VIA Rail/Amtrak train, makes its inaugural run between Toronto and New York City.

Who owns VIA Rail?

VIA Rail Canada operates Canada's national passenger rail service on behalf of the Government of Canada. VIA Rail is a Crown corporation established in 1977.

Are Japanese trains faster than American trains?

Tokyo: The Shinkansen is the world's most reliable high-speed train service, and is super-fast, with an average speed of 177 miles per hour on this line. New York: The Acela only averages about 82 miles per hour. Part of the reason for that is it shares its tracks with both local lines and freight trains.

Is high-speed rail cheaper than flying?

That high-speed train ticket would cost about $75, compared to more than $200 to fly or drive. Ready to ride? Join us now!

Why trains are not popular in us?

Most American passenger trains travel on tracks that are owned by freight companies. That means most trains have to defer to freight services, leading to lengthy delays that scare off passengers who want to arrive on time. Domestic air travel in America is widely available, relatively cheap and popular.

How many Americans support high-speed rail?

Americans really want high-speed rail. According to a new survey from the American Public Transportation Association, 62 percent of the 24,711 adults surveyed said they would "probably or definitely" use high-speed rail if it were an option.

Will Amtrak get high-speed rail?

Building on Amtrak's expertise as the only high speed rail operator in the U.S. and Alstom's record of delivering world class, proven, high speed trainsets — Amtrak and Alstom have partnered to introduce the next generation of Acela.

Why has China been able to build high-speed rail so much faster than the US?

China's high-speed rail success was built on getting many things right that the U.S. has historically gotten wrong — including large public investment, exercising powerful right-of-way laws, rapid build-out, forecasted travel demand planning and low fares.

Is there a shower on VIA Rail?

Shower amenities are provided in your cabin (towels, shampoo and soap). Additional amenities are available in Prestige class. At VIA Rail, safety is our top priority. Our onboard staff will take you through our procedures shortly after boarding.

How much do you tip on VIA Rail?

Tipping and service charges vary between 10% and 15% for taxis, restaurants and nightclubs. Hotel and airport porters expect $1 per bag carried. On trains, you are free to tip your server in the dining car and the individual responsible for your room or berth in the sleeper car.

Can you bring food on VIA Rail?

You can bring your own food on the train (as meals are not included in Economy class), however there are also snacks, meals, and beverages available to purchase on board with cash or credit. If you're travelling with kids, ask an agent on board for the kids activity book.