Canadian Railroads > LeDevoir articles (French) VIA's unpreparedness and cancellations

https://www.ledevoir.com/politique/canada/819386/passagers-bloques-pendant-10-heures-via-rail-pas-appris-erreurs-deplore-ottawa#Echobox=1725659551

https://www.ledevoir.com/societe/transports-urbanisme/817307/trains-annules-montreal-moins-souvent-remplaces-autobus?utm_source=recirculation&utm_medium=hyperlien&utm_campaign=corps_texte

Sounds very much like Amtrak.  

This is in addition to their petty crap of weighing everyone's suitcase and 7,50$ fee for changing a seat, which even Amtrak doesn't do. Even if your under-size suitcase weighs 26 pounds, what is the extra 20 or 25$ fee for and to cover what expense ? Will the Charger loco have to huff and puff harder to haul the extra load ?  This is all airline crap or like junk bank fees. 

I'm not happy with all this airline-style stuff either, but I look at the full picture.  The charge for changing a seat is $7 and applies only on the cheapest fare.  I looked at a Toronto - Ottawa trip chosen at random. There are three economy fares: $55, $65 & $75.  The cheap fare is not refundable and a seat change is $7.  Baggage allowance is better at higher fares.  The two higher fares are refundable with no charge for the highest fare. There are also bonus Preference points for the two higher fares. 

There are two fare levels for Business Class. The cheapest has a $7 fee for a premium seat, generally that is a single seat.  The higher fare is only $14 or $15 more and offers any seat at no charge and 50% more Preference points.

Porter Airlines doesn't allow carry-on (except for a purse or briefcase) on their cheapest fares and not even seat selection for a fee.   Don't tell VIA; they have had enough influence from airlines.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/08/24 16:22 by DrawingroomA.