Transport Minister Promises Action After Via Rail Passengers Stranded for 10 Hours
Canada’s Transport Minister, Pablo Rodriguez, has vowed to address the issues that led to a significant Via Rail delay, which left passengers stranded for nearly 10 hours on a train between Montreal and Quebec City over the Labour Day weekend. The incident has sparked widespread concern over the state of the country’s rail service, prompting the minister to announce a meeting with Via Rail leadership later this week.
Rodriguez expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Passengers deserve better." His commitment to getting to the bottom of the issue underscores the government's intention to hold Via Rail accountable for the service disruption.
The delay occurred on Saturday, when a Via Rail train broke down after suffering two consecutive mechanical failures. The situation worsened as the company was unable to secure buses in the region to offer alternative transportation. This left passengers on the train for hours without power, air conditioning, and, at times, access to washrooms, while repairs were attempted and the train was eventually coupled with another train.
Via Rail has issued a public apology, acknowledging the distress caused to the passengers and confirming that all affected travelers will receive a full refund. Despite the challenging conditions, the company stated that snacks, beverages, and a meal were provided during the ordeal. However, the company is also investigating a separate incident in which a Via Rail employee reportedly confiscated a passenger's phone during the delay. The company assured that appropriate measures would be taken following a review.
The fire department was ultimately called in to assist with the transfer of passengers from the disabled train to another, allowing them to reach their destination 10 hours later than scheduled.
As Rodriguez prepares to meet with Via Rail officials, there is mounting pressure for the company to improve its reliability and customer service. The minister's promise to address the issues reflects a growing demand for better oversight and accountability in Canada’s rail services, particularly as the public becomes increasingly reliant on these services for travel.
The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges facing Canada’s rail infrastructure and the importance of maintaining a high standard of service for all passengers. The outcome of the upcoming discussions between the Transport Minister and Via Rail will be closely watched by both the public and stakeholders in the transportation sector.
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