Quote:
Originally Posted by acottawa
To me the long period where the Canadian isn't running provides a perfect opportunity for a little experimentation. They could try running a more premium experience (at a higher price) on a Toronto-Jasper-Vancouver route that might stop at the odd tourist attraction en route but not try to make scheduled stops, try running a Budd car through Northern Ontario at a more convenient time or try a daytime service on the prairies. The problem now is they are trying to use one train to accomplish too many contradictory objectives and doesn't serve anyone particularly well (and loses a lot of money in the process).
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I think that's VIA's problem in general. It was a dumping ground for all rail passenger transport, regardless of what it served.
So, there's one ill-funded organization trying to provide:
- A semblance of realistic inter-city train service (The Corridor) in a limited portion of the country.
- A bunch of cross-country train "service" that has the conflicting demands of serving isolated places, tourism and a viable transport option for people.
- Serving isolated places with no other mode of transport.
Its only shareholder doesn't particularly care to provide it any guidance, except for whatever is politically expedient (i.e. cheap).
At the end of the day, until the Government of Canada regards it with more than a passing interest and provides an actual mandate - whatever that may be - the sorry state of affairs shall continue.
I suspect it'll take a major breakdown/capital replacement problem to initiate change for better or worse. Just like the Navy's destroyers basically being run until they broke down permanently. It won't be a problem until it is.