I'm glad I understood the reference in the title. VIA is really annoying having Airline elements. What a disgrace! They don't uphold a train's value of being stress-free.... That's sad
Sadly it's all government - Transport Canada regulations & procedures. Particularly problematic at Gare de Centrale dans Montreal. They have like 1 person doing passenger rail regulations at TC, and so we basically just copy some of the American practices, sometimes. It's really awful and does destroy the whole experience sadly.
THANK YOU Thibault for calling VIA out on their stupid boarding practices. I will still travel by VIA but man does the boarding procedure annoy the crap out of me
@@fpeetk- Because Via rail fits the old joke definition of a Puritan: someone who is deeply upset at the possibility that someone, somewhere might be happy. ;)
Just a couple of observations as a former Conductor and Engineer with VIA having worked in the corridor. 1. Oversized baggage is weighted to protect the employees. Provincial workman compensation rules limit the unaided weight to be lifted by a worker to 50lbs??? The equipment you travelled on require passengers to climb a set of stairs to board. Can't speak for European train travellers, but many here (at least in Canada) pack huge bags and then expect train staff to lift their bags up onto the train and into overhead compartments or baggage racks. Many employees over the years have experienced injury as a result of repetitive lifting so the weighing of bags on the platform is to mitigate injury. Only bags that are suspected of exceeding the weight limit are weighed. 2. Safety announcements on VIA Rail trains are a directive from Transport Canada. You can read into this as you will. 3. The split of the train in Brockville is called a J'train. 4. You might share with your viewers that VIA has purchased and started taking delivery of 32 new Siemens Ventura train sets to replace the equipment you travelled on. 4. VIA and the Federal government are proceeding with a much discussed HFR route in the corridor. See RMT videos. Hope this helps explain a few things.
I've always enjoyed taking VIA Rail, but after taking high speed trains in Europe for the first time last year I have to say I'm a little jealous 😅 The boarding process here really boggles the mind. Glad you enjoyed the journey!
I think boarding should start One hour before the scheduled time, not half an hour before the train is expected to arrive. People can be safe on the platforms as well. It's a bummer sitting in the crowded lobby for hours on end.
@@KiranMachiraju Boarding should start exactly when the train opens its doors. Before that passengers should be wherever they like, in a cafe, shop or on the platform. This whole airline-style lounge and waiting room shtick that Amtrak and Via like to do so much is completely unnecessary and overcomplicates the train-taking experience. It also makes taking the train slower, because you have to wait for so long before boarding and can't always just turn up and go.
By the way, you don’t have to line up. I sit in one of the waiting areas until there are just a few people left in line before I join in. Seats are assigned so there is no advantage to getting on early to select the best seat as we used to do in the “old days” 😄
The platforms at Toronto are considered dangerously low and narrow, which is why you have to wait in the concourse. This might be fixed in the next phase of Union Station's decades-long renovation. But the one-door boarding process is ridiculous, and there's no way to justify weighing your luggage (especially when Via have more luggage space than any other railway I've seen). The new Siemens trains are beautiful, but that won't count for much, unless they make significant improvements to both the lines and the operating practices.
GO uses the same narrow platforms and doesn't have that ridiculous procedure. They can keep people downstairs by not announcing the platform until the train has pulled in. Once the train does pull in, people can just go to the platform themselves using any of the numerous stairs or escalators
@@OTCR96 For GO services, the platforms at Union are indeed too narrow for the amount of people who board the GO train. This is particularly noticeable in the areas of the platforms around the portals for the stairs down into the concourse hall (where there is only a couple of feet between the wall and platform edge). The biggest issue that comes from the platforms being too narrow for the amount of people on them is 1) safety of the people forced near the edge because of overcrowding, and 2) how this negatively impacts train service as the GO train is forced to approach the crowded and narrow platform a lot more slowly (around walking speed) than it would at other stations.
@@jakestar121 I don't see it as a problem, a couple of feet is enough room to move along. And don't kid me with overcrowding, there are not even that many riders.
@@hobog would be tricky though, at least 2 cities have their metro system already connected to the airport. While Montreal is still n the building phase with the REM, Calgary and Edmonton still thinking about it. Don’t know how feasible having a train to the airport would be when these systems can do it better and more frequent, then where would it connect to? There’s not much train travel in most of Canada except Via Rail stations
This is true about the boarding process. I took the Amtrak Maple leaf from New York city to Toronto, and the process was typical Amtrak, easy. The return trip, however, was exactly like this video. Waiting in line for almost an hour to board the train. Baggage being weighed, and no communication on where to board. It was the same exact train to New York this time going south, why couldn't via just be the same as Amtrak was?
That's what I remember on my return trip to New York on the Maple Leaf. They weighed my bag then I while online then I was able to continue online up to the track to board my train. But when I was in Penn Station in NYC typical Amtrak boarding process. I showed my passport to the attendants they gave me like a baggage claim check for going into Canada. They put me in the car as I was going towards Toronto nothing like an airline like at Toronto Union Station
@@taoliu3949 Nah, it's just some politician's uncle who's a VP for VIA, who decided it would be cute to try and make people think they're getting on an airplane. Idiots. Instead of making rail more attractive, they're making it more miserable. The only thing that will change is if less people buy tickets. Capitalism at it's finest.
From my viewpoint as an American, Via seems to be Amtrak but worse. I never thought I'd feel grateful for our subpar train service, but at least this kind of thing is less of a problem in the US.
It's stuff like these that make me choose bus over VIA. I mostly do it for international flights out of Montreal, as Ottawa has little to no International connection. The bus that starts from Via station in Ottawa allows two full size check in and the nice attendants will load it and unload it for you. VIA only allows one check in and unless you request no one will even bother. The bus drops you right at the arrival, unlike via, where you have to take a shuttle ride. I do not think being competitive is even in the Business case of Via. The missed opportunity to fill the gap when Greyhound folded is just baffling.
It baffles my mind that there are any enforced max luggage limits at all. Here in germany, you can see people sometimes even carrying christmas trees or other stuff like that, and so for no train ever could not drive because of that.
Union Station is perpetually under construction. I can't remember a time in the last 15 years that I've passed through it where there hasn't been some kind of major construction activity going on.
And it changes often. I live in Toronto and still get disoriented in the construction passages. I imagine it will be much less sterile in 15 more years when it’s finished. 😅
@Fran Bongard I gave up on going through the GO Transit concourse when leaving Union Station. I just look for the VIA concourse now. All those construction detours are confusing though especially for a tourist.
@Fran Bongard Toronto is awesome city to spend time in. So many cool places to check out in the GTA. I always look forward to my trips (and train rides from Windsor) to the city from Michigan.
My wife and I went to Montreal for our anniversary. We took the GO Train in from our town, and then VIA to Montreal. We both loved it! Canada is so far behind Europe and Asia, but it was a fun ride. Like in this video, the worst part was the boarding procedures.
I absolutely love the LRC Cars, they look like a space ship from the 80's and the power cars for them also looked really cool. They were designed to do 125mph on existing infrastructure, but due to track wear concerns and track traffic, the trains were limited to 100mph, then they tilting was turned off in the 1990s... then the engines were retired in 2001... Just like VIA Rail, started off great, but slowly whittled away to nothing more than a kinda competitive but expensive ground airplane in Southern Ontario, and a very expensive tourist train out west
I totally agree with you on VIA's boarding process, especially in economy at the large stations. At least in business you can sit and wait in the lounge, then they call you with no need to wait in a line to board. Still, it would be nice to just walk on the train whenever it's in the station and ready!
How I wish that were true. I travel in business class, and when it comes to the train leaving Toronto at 5:30 for London, they call the business passengers down from the lounge at half an hour before boarding, then make them stand in line and wait for 20 minutes while they board the economy passengers. No idea why. I now come down from the lounge early, and take a seat in the priority boarding area, and wait there until they call the business passengers to go up to the platform and board.
@@roundandroundmyworld You can skip the economy line and just board before the economy line or just stay in the lounge another 15 mins and just directly walk to the front and have your ticket scanned.
A trip down memory lane for me. I'm a long time subscriber of yours and a native of beautiful downtown Kingston Ontario. I was able to catch a distance look at Cataraqui Cemetery where my parents rest as you pulled in to the station. The uncoupling at Brockville was a real blast; I've seen it so many times and in fact, on the Brockville > Ottawa run on two separate occasions in my life, the train hit and destroyed a cow. On the second occasion, a 30-minute delay ensued while the staff inspected the carnage and ensuring the coupling and connections to be in tact. The woman seated in front of me asked if the cow was okay. The attendant responded to her with 'I'm afraid Madam there is no equilibrium between flesh and moving steel'. I nearly died. 😂Thanks for this, but the reason there is no high speed is money and political will despite Bombardier salavating for decades at the prospect.
The lineup for boarding is an old tradition dating back to when economy coach seats were not reserved. It's only been the last five years or so that there have been reserved seats in economy. As others have pointed out, the platforms can get dangerously crowded if people are allowed to go up ahead of time. GO Transit announces train platforms about 3-4 minutes before the train is due to arrive for the same reason. The single loading door surprised me. Every time I travel in the Corridor on VIA, there are always attendants on duty at the door of every coach who ask you your car number and direct you further down the platform if needed.
“Ontario Traffic Man” has a video up showing how GO transit is planning to raise the heights of platforms at all stations eventually up to 610mm ATR (including Union) for level boarding the GO trains at least
Weight restrictions on bags are due to OSHA workplace safety standards (or the Canadian equivalent agency). It’s for the workers protection. Yes the train can haul it but someone has to load it.
That would be fine and dandy if they actually lifted the bags. Assistance with getting your luggage in and off the train is very hit and miss. I’ve seen Via staff turn their backs or look away when someone is struggling up the stairs. Some are helpful but you can’t rely on it.
Via rail is making a subsidiary for development of HSR. The project is currently called HFR and was first imagined as an 125mph corridor between Toronto-Ottowa-Montreal-Quebec City corridor. But the newest bid specifications for company's had specifications for tracks of 186mph with EMU train sets.
HFR will see VIA Rail disbanded for corridor and left to oeprate whatever long distance trains remain. Whatever lobbyist wins the constract wil operate the corridor services and garanteed profit from the federal government. So that subsidiary thatw as created was done because VIA is being put out of the loop. Because the Mont Royal tunnel was abandooned to REM, the proposed route from Québec to Montréal via Trois Rivière will take about 40 minutes longer than the dirrect direct route since from the CN track north of Mont Royal, the train will have to travel west to the Tachereau yards near Dorval and then head back east on highly congested tracks to downtown. So nobody should be talking aboiut "speed". The route on the abandonned CP line to peterborough is windy around lakes and now through homes and businesses, and doubtful it will be able to achieve 200kmh on any significant portion. This is just political PR photo ops with no intentions of delivering (thankkfully since it means the demise of VIA rail).
No, it's not. The plans remains the same but Via Rail asked private companies to suggest a viable plan for such a train. There is interest in this but the expectation of private investmdnt in this line is a recipy for desaster. The interested companies they are talking about are the likes of Alstom or the Spanish infrastructure company FCC will build it if the government will finance it. The are hoping for low enogh offers that might replace the current plant and I don't rhink it's feasible. It is better than nothing but don't get your hopes up.
@@AL5520 Have you read the !request for expression fo interest" It states well hidden in deep in the text in no unequivocal terms that the bidder will be responsible for building and operating the trains and that VIA will be left only with sevices outside the corridor. The request for expressions of interest was done by Transport Canada not VIA rail. VIA is iout of the loop and that is one reason the former VIA CEO left and they habe't found a permanent replacement willing to dismantle VIA yet.
I find this to happen all too much on north american trains. Not as strict as this time, but still a lot of times railroad companies seem to think or try to act like airlines. Why cant it be like in europe? Okay, maybe not as in germany, with open stations and all. Im fine with gates infront of train stations for security or keeping out beggars and people that dont have any business being on platform other than passengers with a ticket.. but the rest? No one needs weight checks or waiting to board etc. Just let people get on train by themselves and if needed, have a guide or service worker nearby.
Toronto Union Station has been under refurbishment for years. The last time I went through was in August 2020, and I'm sorry to see the main hall has not improved. It's a shame you have to go to the GO Transit concourse to get even just a coffee and donut. I will say, though, that I often take the Toronto-Windsor route and have always enjoyed it, compared to taking a bus
Great constructive criticism here that I hope they listen to. Won't happen but I hope that some visionary at VIA (and Amtrak) wakes up one day and thinks 'wait, we're a train - how do we amp up and promote all the things we can do that a plane or bus can never do'? Planes and coaches have 1 door and trains have many doors, make the boarding process relaxing, let everyone go directly to their seat in whatever order they want to. Trains have way more space than buses and planes so promote that fact, bring back cabins with closing doors and run more overnight trains with sleepers. Promote that people can move around on a train and aren't locked to one seat like a bus, car or plane. Make sure you have a cafe car, a lounge car and a viewing car. Trains don't go into the air so promote free luggage, as much as you can carry, maybe passengers who want to bring something back with them will take the train instead of shipping stuff or paying for their bags at the airline.
1- GO Transit now has 2 concourses at Union station, the Bay Street concourse (which you showed) and the new York Street concource on the west side. The Bay street used to be the only one and they first built the York one , closed the Bay one for total reconstruction. Meanwhie, the VIA one left unchanged, BUT below all 3 is now shpping conourse and that meant diffing under the stayion and extending downwards its foundations while supporting the station. 2- The lineups are stupid. 3- Weighting baggage was done because VIA has cut checked baggage service and with everyone bringking heavy luggage, VIA piut in rules to ensure passengers can lift their baggage to the racks, a problem before when someone was too weak to do this and would block loading. But the strict military approach is absolutely anti-customer and very unfriendly. 4- Technically, the LRC was built/designed by Montreal Locomotive Works, but Bombardier purchased MLW fully before first delivery to VIA so was billed at a Bombardier product. 5- The LRC coach you boarded with the pocodot seats is one of 10 that was rebuilt in New Brunswick. Totally new HVAC, electrical and doors, the dysfunctional heavy banking system turned off since the ealry 1980s was removed to save weight and many more improvements. There is a small plaque in vestibule confirming it was rebuilt by ISRC in Moncton. Government then cancelled the contract once costs started to rise due to the next back of vars sent being in worse shape and needing more work, ISRC went bankrupt and VIA then just did cosmetic changes to the rest of the LRC fleet and now apparently cannibalizing them because they don't bother making spare parts anymore since a decision was made to abandon it before the Siemens order was delivered and proven to be functional. Acella coaches have nothing in common with LRC. LRC was built before FRA prohibited light trains and is aluminium shell, while Acella are heavy steel. Acella is derived from TGV coaches (Bombardier had gotten exclusive rights to the design for North America). The banking system on the Acella has nothing in common with the former system on the LRC deactivated within a year or two of introduction into service (was all relay based because railways didn't want electronics at the time). The overhead bins are installed/choses by VIA as part of the rebuilt (and later fitted with the cosmetic changes to rest of LRC) and not original equipoment and didn't come from Bombardier. Acellas were built in Vermon (BBD closed facility as soon as order was completed) while LRCs built at La Pocatière QC some 20 year in between. The so-called "new interior" are the cars with cosmetic changes to them with the new cheaper seats that cannot be rotated to face direction of travel (the LRC seats can but VIA has disabled this to gorce passengers to get used to traveling backwards for 6 hour trips thatr often get delayed to 12 hours when it snows). These seats don,t recline, the set itsel moves forward to give illusion of recline. Visiting the toilet of the rebuilt LRC (with the pocodot seats) would yield different experience from the toilets of the non-rebuuilt cars with the black seats. ISRI totally rebuilt the toilets and they look far better than the ones that got just cosmetic makeover on the cars that w8ll soon be abandonned. The Siemens steel cars are replacing the LRCs (except the 10 that were rebuilt that will be kept longer), they are not replacing the HEP2 cars, although in recent weeks, struictural flaws were discovered and VIA may have to change plans. But the LRCs, if jkept will need to complete the rebuilt that was abandoooned so VIA is now stuck with insufficient equipment with LRCs that can't be kept much longer and HEP that need buffer cars at either end because they would not survive a train collision. (and this means VIA no longer has proper tra s continental equipment. The LRC , designed in 70s and delivered between 81 and 85 is still far more modern than the steel Viaggios/Venture VIA is getting because FRA in United states still insisted on heavy slow rolling stock (ironically FRA relaxed those rules 2 weeks after VIA confirmed order in 2018). No difference in speed dbecause of strack speed limitations, but LRC was designed to go faster. Also initially, it was push-pull with LRC locos at either end but eventually this was abandonned because of all the service cust to VIA in the 1980s (and non-restablishedmt of services post Covid). VIA was very unwise to abandon the LRC rebuild with the promise of eventuually getting money to buy new cars and that those cars would be delivered on time. Now, it is stucky relying on old Budd HEP steel cars from the 1950s and some from 1945 that were obtained from Amtrak's discarded "heritage" fleet inherited from original railroads.
I completely agree with your complaint. The motto of Air Canada is “We’re Not Happy Till You’re Not Happy” and it should also be applied to VIA Rail. I used to enjoy travelling by VIA Rail and would choose it whenever I was not pressed for time and exactly because you were not forced to queue in the Security Lines and worry about baggage allowances as has now been the norm for over twenty years at airports. I would just pack a rolling duffel bag and go aboard. Then I ran into the both the line-ups and baggage issues your video showed. It made no sense, except it seemed to be a mindless copying of the airlines in circumstances that did not warrant it. How do you hijack a train. And the idea of a weight limit is ridiculous. The passengers do all the lifting of their luggage so it is not a work issue for employees and if trains cannot haul whatever weight passengers could carry aboard then they are woefully underpowered. It makes no sense whatsoever and removes the two things that made me choose rail travel. If VIA Rail actually wants to increase the number of passengers they carry they are going to have to start using their brains and provide the passengers with a service that passengers want.
We had the same experience taking the train from Montréal to Québec City, with our luggage being weighed and having to wait until shortly before departure before boarding. Montréal station has a good selection of shops and cafés, and one thing that was really handy; you could leave your luggage at the VIA luggage office for free until shortly before departure, which allowed us to look around the town for a while (we had to check out of our accomodation in the morning). The ride to QC was similarly good after the faff of departure, with nice (if not stunning) scenery. The QC trail also crosses the amazing Québec bridge, built to a similar design to the Scottish Forth Bridge, but with just one cantilever section. It is notorious for two major disasters during its construction, with heavy loss of life. QC station (delightfully named Québec Palais - you are arriving at a palace!) is handy and there is much less faff boarding there (but I think we had our weight stickers still on our bags so they took the weight as read). Good coffee shop, but just one on what is really a rather basic if handsome station.
@6:23 "the snow will increase while travelling from Toronto towards Quebec..." -> i used to always take the train from the GTA to Ottawa for Christmas... there would always be a heavier snowfall in Ottawa, it felt kinda magical. it was especially cool when Toronto had barely any snow and the transition to Ottawa would be stupendous.
You say nothing was open. McD’s and Tim’s opens at 6:00. No one is making you wait in line. There is plenty of seating, and the seats on the train are assigned. I take the train regularly and have never seen boarding from one coach. The staff ask you what car and direct you to the right door. The attendant is explaining the procedure to exit the train in an emergency, not to all the passengers, only to the persons seated near the doors and the emergency exit window. The route they want to make for HSR would entail Toronto to Ottawa then Montreal, meaning places like Belleville, Brockville Kingston would not have this service. I wouldn’t bother with HSR Montreal to Quebec, expensive to build and Buses go every couple of hours and trip is 2h45. Via business class is so much better than Amtrak, where you pay premium to get a free soft drink, whereas Vis’s business has full meal, alcoholic beverages and other hot & cold beverages.
The corridor services might do well at timekeeping, but not so much the VIA long distance trains. Unless they've improved recently, I've heard reports of 12+ hours late. They have the same freight interference as in the U.S. I heard on story of being 2 hours late just leaving Toronto (at the start of the trip) on the Canadian...
It is partly inherent to being such a long uninterrupted service but mainly due to freight, at least in the case of the US' Empire Builder. "Modern" railroading practices of running monster trains that don't fit in sidings, poor maintenance, loose scheduling etc. all contribute to terrible on time performance. Amtrak won't sell you a trip with a connection from empire builder unless there's multiple hours of layover time in case of delays.
@@clark523 Frankly I book Amtrak rail pass for coach fares, and with it get ten different train rides. Therefore I break up my long train routes from one to two or three, enjoying a layover at any of the cities or towns on the routes. Ten different train rides when on sale for less than $300 is a bargain I can't refuse. Many times I tell myself I wish I could spend a day here. Do! Don't just see America, experience America! Enjoy that day at Glacier Park, Reno, Alpine, Flagstaff, Harpers Ferry, Whitefish, Saratoga Springs...
To be fair about trolley service, I got coffee and cake from a trolley service on an SNCF Intercite yesterday... Yes, I turned down the TGV and went Intercite from Toulouse to Paris Austerlitz. best decision I ever made. Comfort beyond measure.
I dont line up either. I just sit and wait until there is almost no one left in line and then I just walk up , show my ticket and head up the escalator. I remember when we lined up because seats weren’t assigned and you wanted to get on early to get your favourite seat but now that seats are assigned why line up? 🤷♀️
Why not just hire a British rail operator like Great Western to operate Via Rail? Maybe the Governor General alone can do this with an "Order in Council".
Amtrak is doing a pretty decent job, considering the massive size and low population density of the United States and the minimal funding they‘ve received over the previous decades. Now that more funding is available, Amtrak announced the replacement of their intercity trains (40% of the network) with “Railjet-like” trainsets, that could make the expansion of electrification easier. They are now looking into replacements for their long-distance coaches. Not to mention the Acela service and the upcoming Avelia Liberty trainsets. They are also planning to expand their network over the next years and decades. European countries are much smaller, but more densely-populated than Canada and the United States. Not to mention that in most of the former countries, a sizable portion of the population cannot afford to get and drive a car and rely on public transportation to get around. What might work there, doesn’t necessarily work in those two massive countries. That doesn’t mean that things cannot be improved, but it’s ridiculous to look at different countries and demand to copy what they’re doing. Bound to failure.
After living in China & Japan for 10 years and travelling the High Speep Train services in Asia watching this video makes me realize how far behind Canada will always be compared with European and Asian High-speed rail service !! Canada never changes never moves forward is a country living in the past FOREVER!!!
I have no issue at all with the safety briefing at the beginning of the trip. Back in November 1994, there was an incident where a VIA train struck a piece of rail that had been placed on the tracks near Cobourg, and the resulting fire left many people injured. Evacuation was hampered by the fact that passengers weren't familiar with the emergency exit locations. Also that the windows that were meant to break easily for evacuation didn't, but that's another story.
If your train arrived on time, it's a miracle. VIA trains are almost always late usually because they have to wait to allow a freight train to pass them.
At 8:18 you say the corridor represents 67% of VIA's revenue. That's not correct. From the 2019 annual report (the last pre-pandemic one), corridor revenue was $324,689,000. System-wide revenue was $411,057,000, so the corridor was 79% of the total. The proportion was even higher in 2020 and 2021, but those years were anomalous, for obvious reasons.
In the mid 80´s i rode the LRC with the active tilting mechanism avtivated. Maybe i was lucky during those two times but the ride was fantastic. The outside view was weird as in some occasions i saw the sky while on some other times it was the ground. I noticed that It was hard to walk the corridors because in curves, the head was tilting inward as the feet were going outward. But when seated, the ride was very comfortable.
I once flew back to Canada through Montreal and decided to take the train from Montreal to my home in Ottawa. My single piece of luggage was heavy but compliant with Air Canada bagage rules but when I got to Dorval station they forced me to take stuff out and put it in a cardboard box for the trip to Ottawa. “For safety reasons”. Not only do they not align their luggage policy with the airlines that they are trying to sell connecting tickets to between Ottawa and Montreal but they think cluttering the small luggage section with extra boxes will improve safety. They can’t help themselves for how stupid they are.
Excellent! I will be doing this exact trip in June. Looking forward to your review of the Green train. Then I can device which to choose. Thanks again!
The green trains, I am assuming you're speaking of GO Transit - they only serve the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and is a commuter system with trains and buses. Via Rail is the only rail option between Toronto and Montreal.
The reason because we don't have much creativity in Canada is due to the rules and regulations all over any kind of activity. The "airport" approach on the train service is just one proof. Years ago we tried to come back from Halifax to Toronto by train and found out that the prices of the airline was only $50 more,let alone that the flight was only 45 minutes, when the train would have taken most of the day. On top of that we have the same allowance as in a plane for our luggage and when we asked if it was possible to bring our furniture in the train they told us that VIA RAIL doesn't provide "that kind of service". We might be the only nation in the world that expend money we don't have to benefit cars and trucks makers. Way to go Canada,we are going down along with our neighbours in the south with their silly ways. Greetings from Toronto.
Luggage is weighed for safety so the crew on board is NOT subject to a hurt back etc from lifting over heavy bags into the luggage rack and because the overhead compartments are only so big. The later boarding is due to a train coming in and needed to be turned and used for another route within a 60-90 min gap. If you dont like to line up for transport try driving. Buses, planes and trains all have lineups.
I agree with the point I think you are making. The airlines are getting worse; trains should be getting better in terms of basic customer service such as boarding.
Not too long ago Via ran an overnite train between Toronto and Montreal called the Enterprise. The first time I rode it was equipped with Budd sleepers, the last with Renaissance (Chunnel) stock. LRC predates Bomber's acquisitions in Germany. Acela came about afterward and the vehicle design bears this out. That said, the similarities between LRC and the Pig are few. Most notable is the active tilt system that wasn't worth Via's time on the LRC and installed on Acela.
@@aloha_27 I remember that too but didn’t have the opportunity to ride. My trip on the Enterprise was part of my “farewell to Budd tour” which was Amfleet to Montreal, former CP stainless to Toronto, Amfleet to Chicago (note: conveyance was the first Amfleet 2 coach), and a heritage sleeper to New York. So much of this itinerary is no longer possible.
I've taken trains out of 30th St. in Philadelphia where a queue for the train starts about 30 minutes before boarding; it's not required, but people do it because the seats in coach are not reserved and people want to sit where they want to sit! If you don't wait in line, you wind up sitting in whatever's left. As for weighing luggage, that makes no sense, since that shouldn't matter on a train like it does on an airliner.
It's been ages since I took a train regularly but I remember literally just walking up to the platform myself and getting on without having to deal with lines. Seems like such a burden, although probably still not as bad as an airport.
Regarding the luggage weight thing, I've heard one explanation that makes even a modicum of sense: Workplace safety. In short, just like the airlines, it's not actually about having too much weight for the planes to fly, but rather not wanting baggage handling crews to reach for a suitcase they're expecting to weight no more than 50lbs and suddenly dislocate their shoulder by trying to heft a 100lb bag. Similar with the overhead bins; they're built to carry a certain amount of weight and they don't want folks with overweight bags breaking them. But yeah, I definitely agree that the lining up beforehand, boarding through only one door, and bag checks even when you're carrying your luggage on, is some ol' bullshit. Score 1 for Amtrak who (to my knowledge at least) don't do that sort of thing... yet.
I was about to say the same thing. Learned that last night from the latest episode of Well There's Your Problem about United 232. If VIA employees are handling customer baggage, the weight limit makes sense.
Yet not a problem anywhere else in the world. Is there an intelligence issue that Canadians would actually try to put a 30 kg suitcase on an over head rack rather than the luggage racks at the end of carriages? And again I’ve never seen staff handle any luggage in other countries.
@@jonathankleinow2073 Ah, a fellow man of culture, I see. I too am a fan of that podcast. And even when baggage handlers aren't handling your bag, it just makes everything more streamlined to have the rules be the same rather than trying to add in a ton of asterisks.
@@xr6lad I recently took VIA, and I did notice people hefting huge bags into the overhead, and as an American I was even like "do you guys not understand the concept of the luggage racks and either end of the car?"
I loved Canada in the 80s. When I was in the Coast Guard, I was stationed in Seattle, Baudette, MN; Port Huron, MI. Best leave was always in Canada. Trudeau is wrecking the vibe.
The reason that you have to go to the GO concourse to get coffee is because despite the original station was to primarily serve inter/intra-country trains, VIA is a side show to GO transit at union now. Reason for no HSR, traffic volume, we don't have the population to support a high speed rail despite having 1/3 or more of Canada's population in it, it is still concentrated in Toronto and Montreal, the driving distance isn't too prohibitive (takes just as long), and there are many flights. Not to mention to have HSR, you need dedicated rail built for HSR, you can't have any crossings on it. that is also to mention, VIA doesn't own the rail it travels on. The rails the Corridor travels on is owned Canadian National or Canadian Pacific. to be honest, HSR like the Eurostar is the main attraction for international tourist that are travelling to both London and Paris as a quick and relatively fun way to get to the destination with the added bonus of travelling through the Chunnel
There is definitely enough population to support HSR in the corridor. And the whole point is to get people off the airplanes. With the new HFR, high frequency rail, program, VIA will own a large portion of this corridor, making delays less likely. And HSR is not some kind of gimmick. Ask Alitalia, they went bankrupt, in part, due to the amazing Italian high speed rail service in Italy. I travelled through Europe last year by train and it was amazing. And the thing is, it's only going to get better over there with the new base tunnels being built under the Alps.
This is an interesting video to watch and I can't help but compare it to inter city services and interstate services here in Australia. I'm absolutely gobsmacked VIA Rail have a luggage weight policy. And the boarding process in Toronto was ridiculous. Here in Australia I've travelled on the Sydney to Melbourne daylight XPT service which takes 11 hours. You simply rock up, board any carriage, dump your luggage and off you go!
that was refurbished. all the LRC fleet were refurbished in the same era about 10 years ago. (fleet being replaced entirely from 2023-2025). The first refurb program came from a vendor which ran the project well over budget (the car you had came from that line) so then VIA did a modified interior program with the rest of the fleet about a year behind the original schedule. In that modified program, the chairs were also replaced rather than recovered again. The seats are really the only hard product difference and the type you had are considered more comfy than the Recaro seats identical to ICE3 now on the rest of the LRC fleet.
What a gorgeous snowy wonderland! Thibault, if you have seen the amount of stuff people bring aboard, you might understand the reasoning for weighting baggage.
Especially given that anyone with any kind of difficulty in walking or climbing definitely needs help to hoist baggage up those steep steps into the car, which means that the attendants have to help them. Level platforms are almost non-existent in Canada because of the wider loading gauge allowed for freight cars -- higher platforms would have to stand too far back to be any good.
I lived in Montreal from 1993-95 and took the train to and from Toronto on many occasions back then. Interesting to see that the experience hasn't changed much at all, even the 1980s era coaches. I have to say, the train is infinitely preferable to the bus. I never took the plane from Toronto to Montreal, but it is such a pain in ass to get to and from those airports that you'd be a bit crazy not to consider the train.
Never taken VIA, but seems like a lot of online content creators are dissatisfied with how many airline esque elements VIA had. Not even Amtrak is that bad, and we have amfleets which literally are supposed to simulate air travel 😂
Here in Malaysia, our boarding process on an upgraded line use automatic control gate for the boarding that would mean you need a valid ticket with qr code and you scan your qr on your ticket at the gate before you go to the platform, every end of our coach has a door on them
Took VIA back in 85 from Edmonton to Prince Rupert. Train was put on siding probably 20 times to allow freight trains to go by . Never went above 60 MPH but it did tilt when we got near Prince Rupert as built on bog land the train was allowed only to 10 MPH and titled so much stuff was falling on the floor. 29 hours to go 900 miles , best two things bar car open till 11 pm and the smell of roast pork drifting through the passenger cars . About year later there was a head on collision that killed over 20 people on the same track so yeah out west I've never been a big rail enthusiast. Rode on trains in Ukraine.and.China much nicer . Interesting to see in some places rail actually works thanks for the info.
My wife regularly take via rail from Moncton NB to saint-hyacinthe QC. Boarding is easy and not stressful. The crew is very nice and helpful. Asides for the 17-20 hrs it takes for the trip, it’s a nice way to travel. Fro one person it’s cheaper to take the train the it is to drive the 12 hours.
A lot of the trains in the Québec-Windsor corridor don't have baggage cars, only a small baggage compartment at one end of each car and it's not huge, and contrary to an airplane, no overhead bins lots of the time, which is why they weigh your luggage. It's for practical reasons and to ensure they can carry everyone's stuff. i don't see what you're complaining about.
hey my friend! first video I saw by your channel... and... I subbed. :D BUT lol I just wish I didn't have to read the screen so carefully. I watch on my phone... and I find what you are telling us fascinating... I admit it's my own fault... but I had to rewind MANY (many many) times to catch a line I missed... I suggest a TTS (text to speech) ... there are many TTS wherein you could choose the right kind of narrator that feels best for you... and I for one would be super stoked. really good work though!!! thanks for sharing and I DO appreciate all the hard work you have already put into this.
The original LRC coach interior (which you were seated in) is much, much better than the "refurbished" ones. The seats they put in are garbage, too large, very uncomfortable and they look dark and drab. The original interiors are light, airy and bright. The decor is perfect. I'm so glad you got seated in them and not one of the crap refurbished ones! Also, Canada has tried building High Speed Rail for decades, since the 70's. At this point it is a butt joke. Look up Rick Mercer's video on High Speed Rail Reports.
I agree with you, the new cars are awful with very uncomfortable seats. Don’t they test these things out with customers first? Oh silly question; imagine Via considering the comfort of their customers 😏 .
Hahaha. I'm sure most have no idea that Via has zero say in any of the construction at Union Station. Building owned by the city of Toronto and the tracks and platforms are owned and controlled by metrolinx. Soon union will simply be another stop for Via as Metrolinx wants to remove them from the station. Please don't ask me how I know this just believe me.
It’s a weird boarding system. The other thing is it’s weird Canada followed the USA model of private railways and not the U.K. and rest of the Commonwealth of government owned system whereby they had control over placing passenger service’s before freight.
Funny enough. I have actually taken Via Rail along the Toronto to Montreal corridor. But I only went as far as Ottawa. Because that's where some of my family live. One thing you need to learn simply railway is that there is a lot of scenic views along the corridor. At one point you even parallel highway 401. At another point down the line you parallel lake Ontario. And for a good chunk of it up to Ottawa. You see a lot of farmland. Take it from somebody who's done the trip from Toronto to Ottawa a dozen or so times. It's quite the experience for a new person. But I agree with you on how via rail handles their boarding and whatnot. Tbh, it doesn't really bother me. Like I said I've done the trip from Toronto to Ottawa/Ottawa to Toronto a dozen or so times. My mom and I have mainly gone up to Ottawa to see some family for Christmas time. But there has been one time where we went out during the spring. Looking forward to when you finally cover the go transit. One line I recommend you take a look at is the Milton line. During the morning. It runs from Milton to Toronto and during the afternoon it runs from Toronto to Milton. I haven't done the full length. But I do know trains go by my building every half an hour or so. I live next to a very active CP rail facility. And at times the Milton line just zooms by my building. It's quite a sight.
I agree with you that VIA can (and will) improve. Repair, renovation and queuing system: - Union Station is under repair and renovation, it will be completed in about 10 years. - This renovation includes the main hall, VIA concourse, and all of the station platforms. - The reason that they you queue 40 minutes before the train, and board 10 minutes before departure has to do with the narrow platforms, and the high volume of trains that go through the station. - They're being somewhat cautious of how many people get to be on the platforms when they don't "need" to be. - This will likely be changed once the renovation is done. Baggage weight: - Why did they weigh your oversized bag? It's a train right? - Well because health and safety of the train staff. They want to avoid workplace injuries when it comes to handling your bags. Same thing with airplanes, airplanes can carry tons of cargo, but the humans who have to load, move and unload the planes cannot.
I wonder why such a long line up was necessary in Toronto. When I took Via Rail last May from Montreal to Quebec City, I just have to line up in the concourse for about 15 mins so staff can check the ticket and vaccine pass (still req'd back then). But once let onto the platform another staff would direct us to board directly to our car. At least, there was no mad dash to the train like you do in China!
So.. I am heading to Montreal next month, and given all the rail videos I've watched the last couple years, I decided to book VIA. How much of a coincidence that I see this video posted literally right after I book the tickets??? At least I know what I'm in for, lol
Same here though I’ll be flying to YYZ then taking UP Express to Union then Via Rail to Montreal. Would’ve been faster taking a connecting flight, but taking a train is something so different that here in Western Canada most don’t even get a chance to do and helps at least passenger numbers by being a part of it.
I took the train many times from Toronto to New Brunswick in the 80's. (when I was single) I will never do it again because it is cheaper to drive. (when married) Round trip for two people on a train, around $536+hst =$605.68 plus plus (car rental, taxi, uber). Gas is around three fuel tanks one way. total around $300+$300 =$600 (a lot of cars get better gas mileage than this, I drive a SUV) 21 hrs on train 16 hrs driving.
Enjoyed your video and I believe I might an answer to several of your questions about VIA Rail and what you encountered on your trip. VIA tries to board the trains at least 20 minutes before departure, but sometimes the trains have not arrived at Union from the shop. Reasons for these delays can range from all tracks occupied or there was a delay coming from the shops because of rail (GO) traffic. Another question you brought up was that VIA should run High Speed train Toronto to Montreal. Forty years ago the trip took less than 5 hours, BUT since the huge increase in freight rail traffic by CN, the tracks are heavily used. CN OWNS THE TRACK AND HAS PRIORITY OVER PASSENGER TRAINS. Hence you will not see VIA high speed trains ON CN lines. VIA is making noises about creating a high-speed from Montreal thru Ottawa to Toronto running on the old and not used CP line from Ottawa to Peterborough. I wouldn't try and book a ride for a while.
I've been taking the train since the 60s, and plenty of times when my military husband was posted to Montreal on his own in the early 2010s. I see more problems with air travel than this. At least I know where my luggage is, and no getting to the wrong airport (happened in Buffalo pre pandemic). Oh, and if you take the escape fare, it's a fraction of airfare, and you can still have an assigned seat for free (just the one they assign for you). But then, if you've got the money to be choosy, go for it. But whining about something because you're not used to it isn't going to make Via Rail cater solely to you.
Your criticisms of VIA are spot on. I have one further one that may not have bothered you and that is although they like to think they’re like an airline they don’t take care of your luggage for you. I can no longer check my bags at my local station and as someone who is older I am finding it harder and harder to hump my luggage up and down the steep stairs onto the train and you certainly can’t count on getting help from staff, especially in Toronto. When I travel I’m connecting through Toronto which means lugging my bags up and down the stairs twice 😠 You were lucky to get the comfort of the 1980s car, the seats in the newest cars as you said, are very uncomfortable. I’ve used the train for decades and seen the ups and downs. What VIA , Union Station and my local station offer right now is definitely a down.
It would be interesting to do a direct comparison with a European journey of similar length - for example Paris to Bordeaux. Not surprisingly, as it is a TGV route, it is much faster - 2 hours 33 minutes - but it would be good to compare also such things as ticketing, on-boarding, seating, toilets, refreshments etc. My impression is that the process is much less cumbersome
We travel by Via going west to Alberta. We have done the trip 4 times and the train is never on time as there are many freight trains.We get off in Edmonton and rent a car and then drive the rest of the way to Terrace BC. We enjoy the scenery on the train, the staff is very helpful and the meals are fantastic.
