Via Rail Passengers Reach Ottawa After Overnight Stranding in Brockville
Passengers of Via Rail faced significant delays after an overnight stranding in Brockville, Ontario. Their journey from Toronto to Ottawa was disrupted when Train 669 experienced a mechanical failure on Wednesday evening.
Incident Overview
The breakdown of the Montreal-to-Toronto train caused a ripple effect on two subsequent trains, identified as Train 48 and Train 54. Passengers aboard these trains were stuck from approximately 9:30 p.m. until 10:30 a.m. the following morning. The incident resulted in passengers waiting for over 12 hours without clear information about their situation.
Passenger Experiences
Many passengers expressed frustration with the lack of communication from Via Rail during the ordeal. Kiyavash Parvar, a passenger on Train 48, noted the hope that the situation would be resolved quickly. However, by dawn, it became clear the situation was more serious than anticipated.
- Passengers received food, beverages, and blankets while stranded.
- Train staff provided muffins from Tim Hortons to those on board.
- Toilets were reported to be non-functional during the ordeal.
Responses from Via Rail
Via Rail spokesperson Karl Helou addressed the situation, emphasizing the company’s commitment to passenger safety. He acknowledged the unacceptable nature of the service disruption and expressed regret over the experience. As a remedy, Via Rail is offering refunds and credits for future travel to those affected.
Government Remarks
Transport Minister Steve MacKinnon highlighted the need for Via Rail to enhance their response to such incidents. While recognizing that winter conditions can complicate travel, he stressed the importance of effective communication and support for stranded passengers.
Conclusion
As the situation unfolded, all passengers eventually reached their destinations by noon on Thursday. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by rail services during adverse weather conditions, especially in winter. Passengers like Parvar and Maiah Morgan looked forward to resuming their regular schedules after the unexpected delay.
