Via Rail cancels trains on Ottawa-Montreal-Toronto corridor due to ‘operational constraints’

Via Rail says train trips between Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal were cancelled this week due to 'operational constraints.' CTV’s Josh Marano reports.

Via Rail is cancelling several trips along the Ottawa-Montreal-Toronto corridor to “protect service reliability” during a period of “heightened operational pressure,” according to the Crown corporation.

Eight trips along the Ottawa-Montreal-Toronto route are cancelled today due to “operational constraints,” according to Via Rail’s website. The trip cancellations come after three trains serving Ottawa, including two trains travelling between Ottawa and Toronto, were cancelled on Sunday.

Via Rail says it recognizes the impact the temporary cancellations are having on passengers.

“These cancellations are a short-term measure to protect service reliability during a period of heightened operational pressure,” Via Rail said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa.

“Severe weather expected this week, combined with increased ridership around the Family Day weekend, necessitates temporarily reducing service to keep additional trains in reserve to limit the risk of prolonged delays.”

Via Rail said all passengers affected by the decision to cancel trains have either been “rebooked or refunded at no cost.”

A notice on VIA Rail’s website says Via Rail trains 31, 38, 53, 54, 61, 68, 641 and 644 have been cancelled “end to end” on Monday.

“This train has been cancelled from end to end with no alternate transportation due to operational constraints,” the Via Rail website said for each train.

Here is a look at the cancelled Via Rail trips on Monday.

Ottawa-Toronto corridor

• Train 641 departing Ottawa at 4:13 a.m.
• Train 53 departing Ottawa at 11:43 a.m.
• Train 54 departing Toronto at 5:38 p.m.
• Train 644 departing Toronto at 1:23 p.m.

Ottawa-Montreal

• Train 31 departing Montreal at 6:20 a.m.
• Train 38 departing Ottawa at 5:55 p.m.

Montreal–Toronto

• Train 61 departing Montreal at 6:45 a.m.
• Train 68 departing Toronto at 5:08 p.m.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Adam Beauchemin

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