The Reality of Taking Trains in Canada: A Painful Journey

TLDRTraveling by train in Canada, especially in the Quebec City Windsor corridor, is a frustrating experience due to outdated infrastructure, frequent delays, and lack of convenient public transportation at destinations.

Key insights

🚂Canada's passenger train network is far from efficient and enjoyable, with outdated trains and infrastructure.

🕰️Delays are common and often caused by the need to yield to freight trains on shared tracks.

🔁The lack of frequency and options for intercity train travel in Canada limits its usability for most travelers.

🌆Canadian cities lack functional public transportation, making it difficult to reach destinations from train stations.

High-speed rail plans have been discussed, but improving frequency and reliability should be prioritized.

Q&A

Why are trains in Canada so unreliable?

Trains in Canada face frequent delays due to outdated infrastructure, the need to yield to freight trains, and limited investment in the passenger rail network.

Are there any plans for improvement?

There are plans to replace the old trains with more modern ones and build dedicated tracks, but the fundamental issue of last-mile transportation in Canadian cities remains a challenge.

Is high-speed rail a possibility in Canada?

High-speed rail plans have been discussed, but improving frequency and reliability of existing train services should be a priority.

Why is there a lack of convenient public transportation at train destinations?

Many Canadian cities have neglected public transportation and have car-centric policies, leading to a lack of functional transit options for train passengers.

Should I consider taking the train in Canada?

If you're traveling between cities with functional public transportation or enjoy train travel despite its limitations, taking the train in Canada can still be a unique experience.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The YouTuber expresses their fascination with trains and their intention to make more videos about trains in the Netherlands.

01:06The YouTuber distinguishes between the train experience in Canada and the Netherlands, emphasizing the poor train network in Canada.

01:48The discussion focuses on the Quebec City Windsor corridor, highlighting the concentration of the population and the need for improved train services in this area.

02:53The YouTuber explains the historical decline of passenger trains in Canada and the nationalization of Via Rail.

04:46The issues with train scheduling, including delays caused by freight train traffic and the need for the train to yield to freight trains, are discussed.

05:59The YouTuber highlights the age of the train cars and the limitations of the train speed.

06:55The lack of public transportation and functional downtowns in most Canadian cities is mentioned as a major issue for train travelers.

07:43The YouTuber expresses gratitude for having a functional train network in Canada despite its limitations and invites viewers to suggest Dutch cities to visit.