What is the delay compensation for VIA Rail?

Okay, so you wanna know about getting some payback when VIA Rail throws a wrench in your travel plans, huh? I get it, delays are the WORST. Let’s break it down based on my understanding:

VIA Rail Delay Compensation: My Take

Basically, if your VIA Rail train is seriously late – and by seriously, I mean over four hours – you’re entitled to a 100% travel credit. That’s pretty sweet, right? I mean, it doesn’t get you there faster now, but at least you can plan another trip later, maybe one that actually goes according to schedule (fingers crossed!).

But here’s the thing, it’s not the whole ticket price they’re giving you back as credit. It’s only based on the pre-tax price of the part of the journey that was delayed. So, if you were going from Toronto to Montreal, but the delay only happened between Kingston and Montreal, you’re only getting credit for that portion, not the whole darn ticket.

I remember one time, I was heading to Ottawa for a friend’s wedding, and the train was delayed for like, five hours because of some track maintenance. Seriously? Five hours! I almost missed the ceremony! Thankfully, I got there just in time, but the stress… ugh. At least I got a travel credit for that mess. Though, honestly, a heartfelt apology and a free coffee would have been nice too, ya know?