(Montreal) The chief executive of VIA Rail says the Canadian government needs to consider introducing a passenger rights charter similar to the one currently in place for air travelers.
In an interview, VIA Rail President and CEO Mario Péloquin argues that the federal government should seek a charter that guarantees train passengers compensation for long delays.
If the reason for the disruption occurs on one of Canada’s two main freight railway lines on which VIA trains run, they would have to pay, which would further promote smooth operations, said Péloquin. He is also calling for rules that would formally give the state-owned company’s passenger trains priority over freight trains, a privilege enjoyed by Amtrak passenger trains in the United States.
Former Transportation Minister Omar Alghabra said last summer he was exploring measures to improve travelers’ experience with VIA Rail’s service, including through a Bill of Rights.
In the quarter ended June 30, 62% of VIA Rail trains arrived on time, an improvement from the 53% share a year earlier.
The Canadian government’s transportation portfolio is now held by a Montreal MP, Pablo Rodriguez.
Mario Péloquin reached the highest position at VIA Rail last June.
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