Canada has a bill of rights for air passengers. What about train riders? [Video]

A 10-hour delay on a Via Rail train in Quebec over the long weekend is raising questions about rail passengers’ rights in Canada — or the lack thereof.

Passengers on a train from Montreal to Quebec City were left stranded as they ran out of food, water and working toilets when their train broke down after experiencing two consecutive mechanical issues. Electricity and air conditioning were also shut down at times for repairs.

In an interview, Via Rail CEO Mario Péloquin apologized for “all the inconvenience that was caused” and said the company will provide a full refund to those affected.

But travellers say staff didn’t handle the situation properly and that compensation for the 14-hour ordeal falls short of what they feel they are entitled to.

The situation is raising concerns about the rights of Canadian rail passengers during major delays. For some, it underscores the need to establish …