More than a few other customer review elsewhere described this cross Canada trek as a third world experience compared to almost any other train service in the world. While the refurbished train is the same, everything else seems to have changed beyond recognition since my first and (now likely only) train trip from Vancouver to Toronto exactly three decades ago.Īside for general changes in the cost of living, the hard fact is that being expected to forfeit so much more in exchange for that much less speaks volumes about the seemingly endless limits of Canadian tolerance and possibly even financial complacency as well as lowered expectations for phenomenally higher prices. This article tells me that, at least for the writer, any reasonable expectations which were once a given no longer seem to exist. Reading this review while considering whether or not such a trip would be affordable a second time certainly helped me to reconsider my plans and adjust my hopes to pragmatically accept dramatically downgraded business standards, as well as to reconsider what should be customer expectations of value for dollar. It seems relevant to mention that within the terms ofĬanadian contract law, the Supreme Court has determined that a contract is only legally valid if both parties are fully satisfied, if the business exchange is seen as a win/win. However where we may differ appears to be with regard to just how many of one’s hard earned dollars one is willing to part with in exchange for what at times sounded almost tantamount to contemptuous abuse and marked indifference. It is a given that the amazing Canadian scenery is part and parcel of the experience. Seen in this light, how are tax subsidies and assured wages for those hostile to good service not tantamount to Crown corporate welfare which, in turn, is almost guaranteed to encourage and engender a marked downgrade in service attitude?Ĭall me quaint, but doesn’t misplaced tolerance invariably invite abuse?Ĭlearly your reviews about VIA train travel were written by someone remarkably generous of mind and forgiving of heart.
One was also permitted to disembark at any point along the route, and to then take a later train by booking to continue one s trip for any other day of one’s choosing.Īpparently, the customer now subsidized and pays fourteen times what was charged in 1990, but without the same benefit of what was at that time unquestioningly the best possible warm and friendly service.Īdditionally, if the paying customer is a Canadian they are also the same taxpayer who has already heavily subsidized the cost of VIA upgrades, maintenance, staff salaries, and running costs. Nevertheless, nostalgia aside, we paid $1700 Round Trip for a couple, from Vancouver to Toronto to Vancouver, the price for a private double roomette (sans meals). Granted this is written based on experience from thirty years ago this month.
#TRAIN ACROSS CANADA LICENSE#
Thank you for this eye opening and unbiased review, albeit magnanimous endorsement of a Crown Corporation (a term which usually means that that same corporation belongs to Canadians) which has been granted license to charge far too much for far too little.Īny actual bias seemingly lies solely with the non-agent Canadian Crown Corporation providing this taxpayer subsidized “service”. Thoughts on what VIA Rail Doesn’t Tell You About The Canadian train?
#TRAIN ACROSS CANADA PLUS#
VIA Rail comes out with new discounts every Tuesday and you can find Sleeper Class Plus fares deeply discounted on specific routes and, if lucky, between Toronto and Vancouver. Till then, if you are looking to book a trip on The Canadian train try and be flexible. I will be following up with a post on my unbiased review of The Canadian so be sure to check that out if you are on the fence about taking this uniquely Canadian trip! Most of these points may come across as negative but I have to stress that although The Canadian train is not a perfect service, I had an incredible journey and will definitely be doing it again. Why am I adding this to the list? Knowing this ahead of time may sway you on the high price.
Last up on this list of things VIA Rail doesn’t tell you about The Canadian train is, simply, that it’s the only company to offer cross-Canada passenger service by rail.
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