Recent content by Trackside_Treasure

What's wrong with the Ventures? The first of a three-part series covering the past three years. This is the shortest post including some additional information and terms. https://tracksidetreasure.blogspot.com/2026/03/via-venture-mechanical-delay-reports.html

I think it's fair to say, "Yes".

I think it's fair to say, "Yes".

Coming soon! VIA Venture mechanical delay reports for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Instead of guessing what's wrong with the Ventures, there will be facts. OK, back to compiling....there are about 600 of them!

It's so fatiguing to always have to compare the passenger service in Canada that we have become accustomed to.....comparing it to ANY other developed country. I'm not talking South Sudan here. Topography, demographics, distances, weather, freight traffic...nothing compares appropriately. Why do...

As of yesterday, for Venture-equipped trains, Average non-J Ottawa-Toronto OTP = 16 minutes late. Average non-J Montreal-Toronto OTP = 22 minutes late. The best Monday OTP since mid-November!

Absolutely! Mine, too - 'what passes for OT'!

VIA tracker says No 647 was 11 minutes late into Toronto Union last night. I call this arrival a 'speedster' because among various online factors and station stops, and even with CN Permanent Slow Orders at crossings for Siemens, this decent OTP is still achievable.

Comparing ALTO to Mexico's Tren Maya. That's a first. Here's the read: http://tracksidetreasure.blogspot.com/2026/02/altogether-now-thoughtful-commentary.html

Just while the snow flies.

The loco-first operation of VIA's Ventures, begun January 26, is taking hold. While eastbound trains led loco-first, now westbounds do, too. There is still an occasional hold-out with cab car-lead, though increasingly rare. The air-into-the-intakes problem long rumoured was more than just a...

I noted in Recommendation 4 (my emphasis in bold): That VIA Rail front-line employees be given the necessary latitude to take unilateral and rapid action in crisis to better manage emergencies and ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and staff without requiring the approval of the...

The Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (TRAN) issued its list of recommendations to Government in its Seventh Report to the 45th Parliament, presented to the House on November 26, 2025, entitled Putting Passengers First: Improving VIA Rail's Emergency Response...

Supposed to happen a couple of days ago, postponed til today but not happening 100% due to storm and several train cancellations upsetting rotation.

Some key dates and communication: October 15, 2021 - CN's Manager of Signals emails VIA: “CN will authorize the use of the new 24-axle train sets on its routes. A ten-day notification to CN is required before placing these train sets in revenue service on any CN route. CN reserves the right to...