The world was a much different place the last time VIA Rail’s The Ocean train line was in service.
The route was halted in March 2020 due to the pandemic and has not made the trip from Halifax to Montreal since.
In an attempt to answer some of the most frequently posed questions, VIA released an FAQ for their 2021 Annual Public Meeting, including the return of The Ocean.
“Remaining committed to serving communities in Eastern Canada, we are working hard to restore, when conditions will allow it, the three weekly round-trip frequencies that we had prior to COVID-19. Once restored, we will review, as usual, any changes in demand that may lead to increases in service.”
However, the uncertainty surrounding the situation and a lack of further details has created anxiety for Ted Bartlett, the President of Transport Action Atlantic.
Bartlett believes there is a shortage of information on when service will resume but remains more concerned about the long-term implications.
“There has to be political will to do something about a service that’s been neglected for far too long.”
“Unless there’s a directive from the federal government, the management of VIA is going to not treat this as a priority.”
The concerns for Bartlett do not end at a lack of political will, as routes in Eastern Canada have been deprived of the necessary upgrades.
The Ocean, which runs through northern areas of New Brunswick, includes many corridors that have deteriorated, causing trains to slow to 30 mph.
Countless trips have also taken a toll on passenger cars, with the President of Transport Action Atlantic asking for upgrades to the long-distance coaches, as well as the sleeping and dining cars.
However, changes for the 1,346 km route are long overdue, and Bartlett is tired of the same old song and dance.
“Canada doesn’t end at Quebec City, which seems to be the attitude of Transport Canada, and of course that attitude has trickled down to VIA rail management, “ he said.
Bartlett says the ball is now in the court of the Liberal members of parliament to make a difference before it is too late.
