Issue/Source: Prioritizing VIA Rail to improve on-time performance
Location: National
Date: February 2026
Suggested Responses
- The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of efficient passenger rail and freight rail in supporting the mobility needs of Canadians and sustaining Canada’s supply chains.
- In 2024, Transport Canada concluded a study of the impacts of prioritizing passenger rail over freight rail. The study highlighted that the economic costs of prioritizing passenger rail would outweigh the potential benefits to passenger rail on-time performance.
- As such, the Government of Canada remains focused on advancing the High-Speed Rail initiative as the most effective approach to improve the efficiency of passenger rail in Canada.
If Pressed
- Based on the results of Transport Canada’s analysis, the Government of Canada does not intend to explore passenger rail prioritization further as a potential solution to on-time performance issues.
Background Information
Currently, 97% of VIA Rail’s network is owned by third parties, including Canadian National and Canadian Pacific. VIA Rail shares track infrastructure through commercial Track Service Agreements (TSAs).
In Canada, track access issues and TSA negotiations are commercial matters to be addressed by the parties involved. The Canada Transportation Act contains legislative provisions to address track access issues that may arise, including a defined dispute resolution process.
In June 2023, VIA Rail sought Canadian Transportation Agency dispute resolution under s. 152.1 of the Canada Transportation Act after being unable to come to an agreement on an updated TSA with Canadian National Railway. The Agency's process is ongoing.
In July 2023, the Government indicated in media interviews that Transport Canada was exploring solutions, including prioritization, to improve the efficiency of passenger rail services.
In spring 2024, Transport Canada concluded its study of passenger prioritization. The results of the study highlighted that, on balance, the real costs of prioritization far outweigh potential benefits to passenger rail on-time performance.
Instead, the study underscored that dedicated rail infrastructure, as is currently being advanced as part of the High-Speed Rail Initiative, would be the most effective way to deliver efficient and reliable passenger rail service.
While the United States provides Amtrak with legislated priority over freight rail, in practice, Amtrak has a comparable on-time performance to VIA Rail, particularly on shared track infrastructure.