Ottawa Sets 30-Day Deadline for Via Rail to Implement Changes Following Stranded Passengers

September 5, 2024 TruthUSA

Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez has given Via Rail a 30-day deadline to implement changes after a train delay left passengers stranded over the weekend.

In a letter to Via Rail, Rodriguez specified that the company must update its emergency management action plan within the 30-day period and collaborate with Transport Canada to establish an updated communications protocol in the same timeframe.

Furthermore, Rodriguez has called for an independent investigation into the incident where passengers were stuck for 10 hours without food, water, or functioning toilets.

Although Via Rail had claimed to have resolved issues following similar disruptions during the 2022 holiday season, Rodriguez stated that the plan “failed” during the recent incident.

Via Rail acknowledged in a statement that the extended delay experienced by passengers was “unacceptable.” The company also announced that an independent review will be conducted, with various measures already being implemented.