I think your examples are some ways VIA Rail could get much, much better. At the same time, I’d agree with the article, the train isn’t as bad as it’s reputation. It’s still pretty bad, but driving into downtown Toronto or to YYZ is awful, so for me the train often wins.
There’s no reason the experience of taking a VIA train couldn’t be more like the experience of taking a GO train, anywhere in the QC-Windsor corridor. The only reason it isn’t is because our governments invest in road infrastructure instead of rail infrastructure.
I think your examples are some ways VIA Rail could get much, much better. At the same time, I’d agree with the article, the train isn’t as bad as it’s reputation. It’s still pretty bad, but driving into downtown Toronto or to YYZ is awful, so for me the train often wins.
I think GO does more right, but it is regionally limited and infrequent.
Regional rail is quite a different service than intercity rail though. It’s like comparing intracity buses to coach buses.
I do think Via could take some hints from GO though, and in certain areas, there’s probably demand for something in between (like Ottawa to Montreal).
There’s no reason the experience of taking a VIA train couldn’t be more like the experience of taking a GO train, anywhere in the QC-Windsor corridor. The only reason it isn’t is because our governments invest in road infrastructure instead of rail infrastructure.