Significant delays follow train derailment in Canada

Train service in the Canadian province of Ontario was disrupted today, following the derailment of a CN cargo train. The incident caused lengthy delays for VIA Rail passenger service in Ontario and resulted in headaches for Torontonians, many of whom use the city’s GO trains when commuting to work. VIA Rail issued a statement warning passengers to expect “significant delays” throughout the day on the Toronto-Brantford-London-Windsor line, as well as on the route that connects Toronto to the Niagara Falls region.

A total of 19 CN railcars were apparently derailed in the early hours of the morning in the Burlington area, due to a mechanical problem with the train’s wheels. Although the accident did not result in any injuries, nor did it cause toxic leaks, a total of three passenger lines have been affected, but one has already been cleared in order to make way for VIA service.

These delays are not uncommon for VIA travelers, since passenger trains, commuter rail and CN cargo railcars must often share the same set of tracks. As such, any problems with one of these three services, will lead to a slowdown of the entire system.

VIA rail, a Crown corporation, was established in 1978, after the restructuring of the Canadian National (CN) network. VIA is present in eight provinces and runs a total of 480 trains, over 14,000km, making it one of the longest railway systems in the world. The busiest main line, however, is between Windsor, in southern Ontario, and Quebec City. Most VIA railcars include economy class (comfort) service, as well as a premium (VIA 1) cabin, where complimentary meals and drinks are served.