Senior VIA News Editor Tim Hayman
VIA News Co-Editor Terry Muirhead:
vianews@canadianrailwayobservations.com
Early in May, the Canadian Auditor General released a special examination report on VIA Rail. The report looked in depth at VIA's management, operations, and outlooks. The final opinion of the audit stated:
"In my opinion, based on the criteria established, there is reasonable assurance that during the period covered by the examination there were no significant deficiencies in VIA Rail Canada Inc.'s systems and practices that we selected for examination, except for the significant deficiency in governance, as described in the following paragraph. The systems and practices in all other areas we examined were maintained in a manner that provides VIA Rail Canada Inc. (VIA or the Corporation) with reasonable assurance that its assets are safeguarded and controlled, its resources are managed economically and efficiently, and its operations are carried out effectively."
The primary conclusion from this audit was that VIA's problems stem primarily from the government, and stem from a lack of clear priorities and long-term funding. You can read the full report here:
Also in May, VIA released its new corporate plan for the years 2016-2020. The plan is well worth a read, and is laid out in very straightforward fashion; despite being long, it is an easy read.
The plan stands out for stating very clearly that VIA is in trouble; equipment is in desperate need of replacement, and the current operating structure has many issues that call into question the long-term sustainability of the railway. The plan stresses the need for federal investment in a replacement Corridor fleet (the life expectancy of the LRC, Renaissance and HEP2 equipment is fast running out), and also for dedicated track plans in the Corridor. Looking east and west, it mentions looking at establishing new regional corridor services in both the eastern and western parts of the country. What will actually come to pass remains to be seen.
Read the full corporate plan here: http://tinyurl.com/zvwk4bf
Good news for VIA: VIA's annual report for 2015 showed increases in both revenue and ridership for the first time in seven years: http://tinyurl.com/juyr7c3
Following the devastating wild fires in Fort McMurray, VIA Rail was one of many companies to step up and try to help evacuees from the area. On May 9, VIA offered complimentary travel on the Canadian leaving Edmonton in both directions, on Train #1, westbound out of Edmonton May 10, 13 and 15, and on Train #2 eastbound out of Edmonton on May 9, 11 and 14. Complimentary Economy class travel was offered, and a 60% discount was offered for Sleeper Plus.
Schedule Changes: VIA is rolling out a bunch of schedule changes starting June 1, 2016. These include changes to the schedule of the Ocean, and changes to a number of Corridor trains. Some trains have retained the same numbers but are now operating at different times, and some new numbers have appeared. Be sure to check out the VIA website (www.viarail.ca) for updated times, and be on the lookout for a new timetable release.
Rail GD in New Richmond has won a contract to refurbish 12 LRC coaches between now and December. CAD Railway Industries in Lachine and VIA's Montreal Maintenance Centre are also doing work on some cars, allowing the work to be completed more quickly be spreading it around. Article in French:
Walter Pfefferle caught VIA 83 blowing through Ingersoll Ontario on the last day of the month. May 31 2016
He also caught VIA 72 with 6441 arriving in Woodstock Ontario. The sand flies must be thick looking at the number boards.
He caught VIA 72 with 914 in Beachville Ontario May 30 2016
And VIA 73 with 6418 later in the day.
Major changes are underway west of Montreal: the area at Turcot is being remodeled, and the tunnel has been removed. On May 3, Michael Berry caught VIA 669 passing a section of tunnel that has been removed.
On May 7, VIA 910 leads a short VIA 50 past the little used siding at about MP 20 of CN's Kingston sub on the west island of Montreal. (Michael Berry photo)
On May 13, VIA 6438 leads VIA 646 through Whitby. At right is a GO Transit facility being built, which will necessitate the removal of the overpass Michael stood on for this shot (Hopkins Street). (Michael Berry Photo)
On May 14, Michael shot VIA Rail and GO Transit equipment laying over at the Toronto Maintenance Centre, including the consist of The Canadian. Note the Prestige Class cars toward the rear.
On May 17, Michael shot VIA 6414 leading VIA 33 over the Lachine canal
Another shot of the same train, VIA 6414 pushes VIA 33 over the Lachine canal. After arriving at Central Station from Quebec City, it is backing out on its way to Ottawa.
That same day, Michael shot VIA 905 pushing the deadheading VIA 63 towards Montreal's Central station about 90 minutes before departure. It is passing Montreal's skyline, increasingly dominated by condos when seen from this angle.
On May 21, VIA 639 for Ottawa is through Montreal West led by VIA 910. (Michael Berry Photo)
On May 22, VIA 910 leads VIA 669 past the site of a tunnel on CN's Montreal sub that was removed about a week ago. Part of the tunnel is still visible behind the train, as it was lifted off the tracks in pieces over a few weeks. (Michael Berry photo)
On May 5, Pierre Fournier photographed this Renaissance consist on VIA 24 led by 900.
An interesting catch: on May 11, firefighters had been called to fight a grass fire at Aston. Pierre Fournier caught VIA 25 rolling through with a slow order past the site.
On May 10, Pierre caught VIA 25 speeding past Camirand feed mill at Ste Brigitte with 6451 pulling.
Ron Visockis shot VIA P42DC 914 heading Westbound at Belleville, ON on April 20th, 2016. Note the two Chateau Sleepers being ferried on the tail end.
VIA 70 was running late so VIA 71 was cleared into the Woodstock Ontario Station first. AS they left they rolled passed VIA 70 as it arrived at the station. Woodstock Ontario May 18 2016 (Walter Pfefferle Photo)
Walter also caught VIA 70 with VIA as it powered out of Ingersoll Ontario May 19 2016.
Here are a few more classic LRC images from the collection of Pierre Fournier.
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Here is a series of photos from Bill Grandin. Shot at the start of the 80's, we see a series of classic blue and yellow FP9A and B units, with a healthy dose of mud on a few of them! |
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Copyright CRO June 2016