Marcella Malt pictured with snacks Via Rail provided to her and other stranded passengers after the train broke down between Montreal and Quebec City on Saturday August 31, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO Chip MaltTHE CANADIAN PRESS/HO Chip Malt
OTTAWA – Canada’s transport minister has asked Via Rail to provide an independent report regarding a train delay over the weekend that left passengers stranded for 10 hours.
A spokesperson for Pablo Rodriguez says the minister spoke with Via Rail executives today to tell them the way passengers were treated on Saturday was “unacceptable.”
The spokesperson says in addition to the report, Via Rail has been asked to improve training for their employees and review their breakdown procedures.
That includes keeping passengers better informed and making sure they have access to basic services, as well as other options to reach their destination quickly if there’s a long delay.
Passengers who were on the delayed train that was heading to Quebec City from Montreal say the train eventually ran out of food, water and working toilets.
Via Rail has since apologized to customers and is offering those affected a full refund.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 3, 2024.
