The reliability of the $1bn Siemens Venture train fleet and the restrictions placed upon their operation by CN are two of the most pressing concerns currently facing VIA Rail, and on February 12, 2026 Transport Action Canada board members Harry Gow, David Jeanes, and Terence Johnson met with House of Commons Transportation Committee Vice-Chair and …
Transport Action Canada, founded as Transport 2000 Canada in 1977, is the nation’s leading citizen transportation advocacy group. We represent the interests of consumers or users of public transport services in Canada. Here are some of the main issues that our advocacy work revolves around:
- the development of rail passenger services in Canada;
- the future of inter-city bus services and their connectivity to rail and air services;
- urban and commuter transit systems;
- the implications to consumers of the deregulated airline industry in Canada;
- the impact on the public interest of demands for new highway spending
We're here to help you get there.
We exist to advocate on your behalf so that the decision makers understand the needs of passengers, and follow through on what they promise. That new bus stop. That construction being complete. More bus or train times... So on. And we'd love to keep you in the loop.
Siemens failures force VIA Rail cancellations
Fleet availability for the Siemens Venture trains purchased by VIA Rail has plummeted to less than 50% over the winter, far below the industry standard of 90%. This includes the on-route failure on December 10, 2025 which stranded passengers on train 669 overnight at Brockville. Dozens of trains have been unable to start their journeys …
Alto HSR consultations launch with new route options
Alto has started public consultations and invitation-only roundtables with stakeholders. Transport Action is involved in both, and this will be the first in a series of posts about specific items arising from these engagements. To participate in the online consultation, which is open until March 29, 2026, and to find public meeting dates and locations go …
Cape Breton University seeks return of passenger rail
Cape Breton University (CBU) has undertaken a detailed feasibility of returning passenger rail to the region, to provide its students and staff with an improved connection to the city of Sydney, NS. The university campus is located several miles out of town, and currently served by a Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) transit service that …
Alto announces Montreal-Ottawa segment to be first
Speaking in Gatineau on December 12, 2025, federal Minister of Transport Steve MacKinnon and Alto President and CEO Martin Imbleau announced that the first segment of the Alto High-Speed Rail network to be constructed would run between Ottawa and Montreal. It was anticipated that the project would be built in stages, with construction overlapping, and Ottawa-Montreal …
VIA Rail travel credits now available online, but Escape fares go online-only
Over the past few months, VIA Rail has had to pay out an astonishing $31 million in travel credits to delayed passengers, with many of the delays stemming from the dispute with CN over grade crossing activation. Until recently, passengers had to phone the call centre to apply the credit to a new reservation, or …