Late trains in Halifax out of VIA’s control: CEO [Video]

As VIA Rail passenger numbers in Halifax climb, the national rail service aims to modernize its service and grow, but the crown corporation faces challenges and delays due to freight operators who own and control the tracks they travel.

Last year, 13,000 passengers arrived by train in Halifax—a number that’s on the rise, according to VIA Rail President and CEO Mario Péloquin.

“What we see right now is that this number looks like it’s going up 15 per cent this year, and it’s spectacular for the Halifax region,” he said.

Péloquin was in Halifax for a Halifax Chamber of Commerce luncheon, where he shared VIA Rail’s 2030 vision. The national passenger rail operator sees great potential to improve service and attract more travelers.

But there’s a lot that isn’t in the company’s control.

“VIA only owns three percent of the network on which we operate across Canada,” said Péloquin.

VIA doesn’t own any …