Via Rail offers apologies, compensation after holiday travel chaos | 24CA News
Via Rail’s president and CEO has launched an announcement apologizing for cancellations, delays and stranded trains round Christmas in southern Ontario and Quebec, saying the service did not meet its personal requirements or rider expectations.
Train service was severely disrupted within the Windsor, Ont., to Quebec City hall from Dec. 23 to 26, and outright cancelled on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
A storm hit Dec. 23, then a CN prepare derailment on Dec. 24 close to Grafton, Ont., shut down a stretch of monitor that left passengers trapped aboard trains for hours.
CBC News heard from passengers describing cramped situations, out-of-service loos, and an absence of meals and water.
A press release launched at midday ET Tuesday, and credited to president and CEO Martin R. Landry, contained a number of apologies.
“We appreciate that passengers were looking forward to holiday celebrations and family get-togethers, and we regret that for many, those plans were disrupted. We didn’t meet your expectations and for that we apologize,” the assertion stated.
Via Rail ought to have higher shared details about delays, the assertion added, and higher supported passengers on these trains.
WATCH | Train journey issues over Christmas:
More travellers have been stranded over Christmas weekend when Via Rail needed to cancel service alongside the Toronto to Montreal hall. Meanwhile, airports are nonetheless coping with backlogs from delays and cancellations earlier within the week.
Passengers whose trains have been “completely immobilized” are getting journey credit, Via Rail stated Tuesday. It was already introduced full refunds ought to be routinely given for passengers whose trains have been cancelled between Dec. 24 and 26.
The firm can also be hiring outdoors consultants to evaluation planning and response for the storm, in addition to buyer care and communications.
“Beyond not having met the expectations of our customers, we have not lived up to our own standards,” the assertion stated.
“Despite weather events and a freight train derailment beyond our control, it is clear that lessons will be learned, and changes will be made.”
Members of the House of Commons transport committee stated final week they wish to hear from Landry concerning the vacation bother, together with the CEO of Sunwing airways.
