Via Rail requests judicial review of CN’s speed restrictions

November 13, 2024 TruthUSA

Via Rail is requesting a judicial review concerning the reasons behind Canadian National Railway Co.’s implementation of speed restrictions on its new passenger trains.

The Crown corporation has stated that it is pursuing the review from the Federal Court after multiple attempts to engage in dialogue with the company did not result in valid justifications for the change.

According to Via Rail, the restrictions put in place last month are leading to daily delays on Via Rail’s Québec City-Windsor corridor, impacting thousands of passengers and tarnishing Via Rail’s reputation among travelers.

CN has mentioned in a statement that the restrictions were enforced at rail crossings due to the industry’s experience and known risks associated with similar trains.

The company added that Via has requested the courts to intervene despite agreeing to acquire the necessary equipment to permanently address the issues.

In October, Via stated that there have been no incidents at level crossings in the two years since it began operating 16 Siemens Venture trains.