QUOTE: Share your thoughts about Canadian passenger railroading - past and present. Let's not bash one another because of differences in opinion and of course, nationalities. Above all - keep politics out of our discussions.
QUOTE: dldance Posted: 26 Apr 2005, 21:36:58 as requested I have reposted this item from cbc.ca dated 26 Apr 2005 on this thread. dd ======== JUNEAU, Alaska – The Yukon and Alaskan governments are teaming up to study the economic and social benefits of a proposed rail line running through Canada and Alaska. Officials announced Monday the signing of a memorandum of understanding to launch the year-long study, expected to begin in May. The railway would link Alaska, the Yukon and northern British Columbia, and then run down into the contiguous United States. The two governments have agreed to establi***he Alaska-Canada Rail Advisory Committee, comprising members from both jurisdictions. The study is expected to cost $5 million US.
QUOTE: chateauricher Posted: 27 Apr 2005, 00:44:34 PS : I updated my profile to include a signature. However, I don't see it in any of my postings. Can others see it ? If so, why can't I ? How can I see it (other than in the "preview" section) ?
QUOTE: Yukon, Alaska to study railroad idea Last updated Apr 26 2005 11:34 AM CDT CBC News JUNEAU, Alaska – The Yukon and Alaskan governments are teaming up to study the economic and social benefits of a proposed rail line running through Canada and Alaska. Officials announced Monday the signing of a memorandum of understanding to launch the year-long study, expected to begin in May. The railway would link Alaska, the Yukon and northern British Columbia, and then run down into the contiguous United States. The two governments have agreed to establi***he Alaska-Canada Rail Advisory Committee, comprising members from both jurisdictions. The study is expected to cost $5 million US. Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski says the rail corridor could incorporate fibre optic communications and a potential natural gas pipeline. Yukon Minister of Economic Development Jim Kenyon says that if the project goes ahead, it would allow economic diversification in both countries. "It gives us a better leg from Anchorage to Atlanta or Whitehorse to Halifax or any combination thereof," he said.
QUOTE: andrewjonathon Posted: 28 Apr 2005, 21:49:10 Some interesting news from the Transport Canada 2000 newsletter, I'll have to look into membership. I travelled (by car) from the Calgary via Banff to Vancouver last year and while there are lots of freight trains it is sad to see the Banff train station and know that a "real" passenger train doesn't stop there anymore. Of course it would be equally sad if the Canadian was switched back to the original line and there were no longer passenger trains running through Jasper anymore. The best outcome would be if they ran the Canadian on the CP's route three days a week and on CN's three days a week. As the Transport BC 2000 article that I referenced earlier in this thread pointed out there should be sufficient demand (at least in the summer) because until the 1990 cutbacks there VIA was regularly sold out far more trains than would even be available with the increased service. By the way, Transport BC 2000 also pointed out that one reason the train services mostly tourists is that with so few seats available in the summer months when locals do most of their the tour companies often buy all available tickets several months in advance. Locals people tend to purchase their tickets closer to their travel dates and by that time there is often nothing available. An interest suggestion anyway.
QUOTE: OnHarry Posted: 28 Apr 2005, 23:04:13 I can't believe that VIA is as successful in the Windsor, Quebec city corrider. I just priced a trip for the love of my life and myself to go to Montreal from London, and return, and doing so more than seven days in advance, so I would not be penalized for that. I got the second from the cheapest fare available and guess what it will cost if I actually book it. $609. including all taxes. You know if the government got serious about rail travel and getting cars off the highways, they could probably run hourly between major points in this area and fill the trains. The price is very high in my opinion, as even at today's inflated gas prices I could drive it much cheaper and spend my money on the weekend in Montreal rather than the train ride. Rant over.
QUOTE: Originally posted by andrewjonathon Some interesting news from the Transport Canada 2000 newsletter, I'll have to look into membership. I travelled (by car) from the Calgary via Banff to Vancouver last year and while there are lots of freight trains it is sad to see the Banff train station and know that a "real" passenger train doesn't stop there anymore. Of course it would be equally sad if the Canadian was switched back to the original line and there were no longer passenger trains running through Jasper anymore. The best outcome would be if they ran the Canadian on the CP's route three days a week and on CN's three days a week. As the Transport BC 2000 article that I referenced earlier in this thread pointed out there should be sufficient demand (at least in the summer) because until the 1990 cutbacks there VIA was regularly sold out far more trains than would even be available with the increased service.
QUOTE: Originally posted by andrewjonathon By the way, Transport BC 2000 also pointed out that one reason the train services mostly tourists is that with so few seats available in the summer months when locals do most of their the tour companies often buy all available tickets several months in advance. Locals people tend to purchase their tickets closer to their travel dates and by that time there is often nothing available. An interest suggestion anyway.
Mark Meyer
QUOTE: Originally posted by siberianmo QUOTE: chateauricher Posted: 27 Apr 2005, 00:44:34 PS : I updated my profile to include a signature. However, I don't see it in any of my postings. Can others see it ? If so, why can't I ? How can I see it (other than in the "preview" section) ? Hate to ask the obvious, but do you have the block checked to the right of "Options" that states, "Check here to include your profile signature."?
Canadian Rail Journey, Part II On Sunday, May 8th (Mother’s Day and VE Day) I set out on my solo round trip from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Ottawa, Ontario via Montreal, Quebec. Arriving at VIA Rail’s Halifax Station in a torrential downpour, the line up for Easterly Class sleepers had just begun. I noticed a rather large group of people all wearing name tags and my first thought was, “Oh no, a tourist group!” Experiences from past journeys have not all been that pleasant when encountering some of these organized rail trips and I hope this would be different. It was. It didn’t take long for me to discern the pronunciation of certain words that only people who reside in the St. Louis, MO, USA area can appreciate. The group turned out to be comprised of people from my community and those adjacent to it. The tour director had been my three children’s math teacher in high school and before I realized it, it was “old home week” at the Halifax Station. This particular fellow and I have traveled aboard the same trains, but never as part of his group. He does a good job at ensuring that all goes well, without the intrusiveness experienced with other groups. On this day, Train #15, the all BUDD consist of 11 cars (1 baggage car, 2 coaches, one Skyline dome car, one dining car, 5 Chateau series sleepers and the Evangeline Park Car (observation dome with 2 lounges and 4 bedrooms) awaited us. Heading up the train were two F40PH’s, numbered 6441 and 6405 respectively. The train was booked full, including the coaches. There was talk of adding another coach at Moncton, NB, however, that didn’t occur as one wasn’t available. The rain had been falling since Saturday morning and this was monsoon-like. Heading northward towards Truro, the water on either side of the right-of-way was running fast and at times appeared to be very, very close to the roadbed. Sitting in the Park Car dome, the vantage point was sufficient enough to determine the impact of the storm on the country side. Several crossings had police cars blocking them, lights flashing, probably because of roadways under water. By the time the train wound its way through the great scenery between Truro and Amherst (last stop in Nova Scotia) the rain began to let up. Our arrival in Moncton was only long enough for me to dash out into the rain, take some photo’s and get back aboard for the continuation of the journey. One of my new-found friends from a community not far from where I live, accompanied me and we got more than a few chuckles from the employees all huddled beneath this or that wondering who these “Yay hoos” were with their cameras! Been there, done that before and will undoubtedly do it again! With a refueled train at the ready, the remainder of the trip was enjoyable – as always. The dining car was jammed for the evening meal – at least a 15 minute wait for a table. Good to see, in that many of my previous trips witnessed near empty situations, even though the trains were rather full. Somehow this all didn’t equate – fewer menu selections, higher prices equals greater demand? Huh? Another delightful meal, some great dinner table chit chat over a couple of Keith’s Pale Ale, then back to the dome. Ahhhhhhh. Couldn’t handle much more beyond Campbellton, so it was time to hit the sack. I had a single (Roomette) on this journey in the Chateau Brule bedroom car adjacent to the Evangeline Park observation dome car. This single was an “upper,” in that the step down could be a ‘killer’ if one forgot it was there! Happens …. Amazing how every bit of space is wisely planned for ……… a good night’s sleep interrupted only by my curiousness to take a look through the wide window now and then. Some snow on the ground between western New Brunswick and eastern Quebec. Morning on the “Ocean” began very early for me. I arose at 4 AM – and decided to sit in the Evangeline Park’s dome until our stop at Charny station. While this stop has existed for decades, the feature stop for the “Ocean” was at a place on the south bank of the St. Lawrence Seaway, directly across from Quebec City called Levis. When on the eastbound, the train sat for about 20 minutes, which gave the passengers an incredible view of the ramparts and lights of Quebec City – just wonderful. The westbound got in a bit early (as with Charny), so most times I slept through that ….. About five years ago, the tracks were sold and removed for Condominiums (or so the story goes) and the Levis station faded into history. The ferry connection between Levis and Quebec City lost much of its charm insofar as passenger train travelers were concerned. At Charny on the westbound, the train backs in, whereas it is the opposite heading east. Took a few minutes to breath in the chilly morning air – chat a bit with crew and just enjoy the beginning of yet another great morning with VIA Rail. I must say that those continental breakfasts in the Bullet Lounge of the Park Car was sorely missed on this day. I’m a “pill taker” in my advancing age and without something of substance to go with them, the experience can be rather unpleasant. Fortunately, “Joanne,” our attendant, noticed my discomfort and immediately provided me with a few packages of cookies to go with the complimentary juices, coffee, tea and hot chocolate in the Park Car. She’s a “sweetheart” for sure – an “old timer” from our traveling days aboard the “Atlantic,” which used to run between Montreal and Halifax, but took a more southerly route through Maine. A story for another day ……. We arrived in Montreal about 15 minutes early – 8 AM – and I quickly located a place for breakfast within Montreal’s Central Station. Two eggs, sausages, toast and coffee all for $5 (Cdn) – not bad. What a shame that VIA Rail’s decision makers have no clue regarding breakfast aboard the westbound “Ocean.” The Chef is there – the food is there – the attendants are there and the only thing served is the continental breakfast. Pity. My Ottawa train departed at 10 AM as I settled into my window seat aboard a VIA Rail LRC coach. For such a short journey, I decided against VIA1 service – much more costly. The train makeup consisted of 4 LRC cars – 1 VIA1 and 3 coaches powered by a single Genesis P42 locomotive. Just love the color scheme (livery). The hour and 35 minutes flew by and before I realized it – there we were, pulling into the station. Ottawa’s VIA Rail station is a beautifully appointed structure – very modern, airy and clean. Bus and taxi service to downtown is readily available and frequent. I took bus #95 to downtown and off I trudged to the newly opened and dedicated War Museum. The War Museum is located rather far from where the bus driver left me off. Hmmmmmmm, was there a message there? Anyway, I enjoyed the exercise – snapped a bunch of photo’s along the way of the Parliament buildings, Supreme Court and so on. The weather was outstanding – blue skies and temperatures in the mid-70’s (F). Lots of joggers – lots of jiggles and lots to look at! Ahhhhhhhh, young man on the lose in Ottawa! Well, at least mentally! Arriving at the War Museum about 45 minutes after my bus departure – really – I was taken in by the new structure and those entering and departing it. The day before, VE Day, Ottawa hosted a terrific remembrance for the veterans and many were still around. I made a point of introducing myself to several and I’ll tell you, many misty eyes all ‘round for sure. I digress a bit: During WWII my father was a U.S. Merchant Marine mate and several of his convoys used to make up at Halifax. There was a special bond between those embarked on those voyages – some only made it one way – some didn’t complete the trips – and the lucky ones are still around to talk about it. Yes, a very significant experience for me.……. To be continued ………. See y’all now 'n then! [tup] [;)] Tom (Siberianmo) Happy Railroading! Siberianmo Reply siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts Posted by siberianmo on Thursday, May 19, 2005 12:48 PM QUOTE: VerMontanan Posted: 18 May 2005, 15:03:28 Tom, Was your fare on the Ocean (albeit this is a bit "off season" still) some or a lot more than in years past? I checked the fare for a roundtrip to Gaspe in the fall, and it was over $400 for a single bedroom. Quit a bit more than in years past. We booked this round trip for my wife and I in Aug 2004 - so the fares were quite reasonable. If the fare you quoted is in Canadian dollars, ours was pretty close to what you found, and that's for a double aboard the Budd cars. Of course, I get a senior rate and the promotions vary for traveling companion - sometimes free, others a percentage discount, etc. Only thing I can add regarding more or less expensive in years past is: what goes down in price? So, yes, always costs more - but I didn't note a significant increase. Of course, if I went back to 1990 and our first round trip - well that would be another story. As noted in my submission of yesterday - service changes are afoot for June 1st and beyond. From the feedback I got from some "old time" VIA Rail attendants, the revolving door keeps moving in Montreal when it comes to those pulling the strings and coming up with newer ways to "turn off" the faithful travelers. Neverheless, it has been, it is and will remain my favorite passenger railroad and we'll ride 'em (Budd cars) as long as they put 'em on the line. Tom (Siberianmo) Happy Railroading! Siberianmo Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 20, 2005 8:27 PM I'm sort of a newbie here but reading the notes on PEI a while back brought my memories of "The Island". I started going there in the early '80s so missed the passenger and mixed. I did see the GE 70 tonners and the MLW 6 axle rd sw. Our place was out near the east end of the island and only saw a train once a week if that. What was surprising was that CNR installed rock ballast (imported at great expense)over the whole east end of the island only to abandon it a few years later. I'll recount some Candian rail adventures in later posts. Reply Edit siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts Posted by siberianmo on Friday, May 20, 2005 8:53 PM Hello dave e ... [#welcome] and I hope you find this topic of interest to you. There's lots of interesting posts on these 15 pages ..... Don't be discouraged if replies don't come up right away .... sooner or later you'll get a response. See ya! [tup] [;)] Happy Railroading! Siberianmo Reply andrewjonathon Member sinceJanuary 2001 From: US 304 posts Posted by andrewjonathon on Saturday, May 21, 2005 12:28 AM Siberianmo's story about the Ocean brought back memories of a rail trip that my wife and I took in 1997. We were newlyweds living in Florida at the time and I convinced her to take the train to Massachusetts for one of her friend's wedding. From there we planned to head up into eastern Canada. First, we took Amtrak from Orlando to Boston. Not being a railfan and without a lot of scenery to look at on the East coast, the best thing she liked about Amtrak was that they had movies. From Boston we rented a car and drove up to New Brunswick and then over to Prince Edward Island. What a wonderful place PEI is. We dropped the car rental in Moncton and caught the Ocean to Montreal. As soon as we boarded VIA, the train travel experience changed for my wife from "why does he like to do this?" to "Wow, this a neat romantic adventure." (I just mentioned to her that we should take another a trip on VIA Rail to see her reaction. A smile came across her face and she said "That was a neat experience, a lot different than Amtrak. The people were so friendly.") Anyway, the whole experience on VIA was unique from sitting in the dome cars, to the dining car, to the sleeping cars, to sitting in the lounge at the back of the train. We arrived on time in Levis, Quebec. If I remember correctly that means it was about 5:00am. We then took the ferry across the river to Quebec City. I must say Quebec City is such a unique place to visit in North America with its city wall and cobblestone streets. I am surprised it doesn't get more attention as a tourist destination than it does. Its like having a piece of Europe in our own backyard. From Quebec City, we took an LRC train to Montreal. I really liked the LRC. It was very bright, modern and comfortable. I definitely prefer the LRC to the average non-Acela train that Amtrak runs in the Northeast corridor. While in Montreal we stayed in the Fairmont Hotel (former CP Hotel) right above the train station. This hotel makes train travel to Montreal so convenient, I would recommend anyone going to Montreal to stay there. The hotel lobby is literally part of the train station. Leaving Montreal, we took the bus to Vermont and then caught the Amtrak's Vermonter to New York City and back on down to Florida. The conductor on from New York to Florida was a character though. He made an impression because almost every town we went through he got on speaker system to tell us about a friend he knew in the town that was well known for something unique. He was very friendly person, Amtrak needs more people like him. The thing I remember is that getting back on Amtrak after VIA Rail was like coming back to reality after a great vacation. I always enjoyed riding Amtrak but it wasn't the same after the VIA experience. Anyway, the trip is a great memory for us and thanks to Siberianmo for reminding me of it. Reply siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts Posted by siberianmo on Saturday, May 21, 2005 9:43 AM Hello again, andrewjonathon. [;)] Great story - appreciate the kind words! [tup] [;)] That stop at Levis was a wonderful experience (from Part II of my "trip reports") ..... QUOTE: Morning on the “Ocean” began very early for me. I arose at 4 AM – and decided to sit in the Evangeline Park’s dome until our stop at Charny station. While this stop has existed for decades, the feature stop for the “Ocean” was at a place on the south bank of the St. Lawrence Seaway, directly across from Quebec City called Levis. When on the eastbound, the train sat for about 20 minutes, which gave the passengers an incredible view of the ramparts and lights of Quebec City – just wonderful. The westbound got in a bit early (as with Charny), so most times I slept through that ….. About five years ago, the tracks were sold and removed for Condominiums (or so the story goes) and the Levis station faded into history. The ferry connection between Levis and Quebec City lost much of its charm insofar as passenger train travelers were concerned. Glad you experienced VIA Rail in such a positive way! I agree with you about those LRC's - nicely appointed and comfortable to travel in. I'll be posting Part III of my four day/night VIA Rail adventure this weekend ......... See ya! [tup] [;)] Tom (Siberianmo) Happy Railroading! Siberianmo Reply Junctionfan Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: St.Catharines, Ontario 3,770 posts Posted by Junctionfan on Saturday, May 21, 2005 12:10 PM Are the LRCs to be replaced at some point. Don't get me wrong, the LRCs are my favourite car to ride in because of the feet room and the huge windows but surely they are getting up there in age too. Does VIA have enough renaissance equipment to replace the Budd? I saw some in their yard in Oakville but didn't see much more then what was there unless there is a whole pile in Montreal. Another thing is do they plan on purchasing more P42s? F-40s are great but the P42s have better acceleration then the F-40s. I don't know how well they fair in the Rockies though but Amtrak runs their's through the mountains so I don't see much of a problem. Andrew Reply morseman Member sinceJuly 2004 From: Ontario - Canada 463 posts Posted by morseman on Saturday, May 21, 2005 5:05 PM To: Andrew Jonathon Great report on your trip You mentioned staying in Montreal at the Fairmont Hotel right above CP Station. The hotel Fairmont Hotel is right above CN Central Station. it was formerly called (Queen Elizabeth Hotel) The CP station is about two blocks away CP Windsor Station. The CP hotel is across the street . It was formerly called Chateau Champlain If the names of the hotels changes or above info is incorrect please correct me, as I haven't been in Montreal for some time I believe CP and CN still own the hotels but are now managed by Fairmont & Delta chains. Changed to give better world wide recognition for one thing There is nothing like the CP and CN hotels for their opulence. Consider the Quebec Chateau Frontenac Believe it's the only major hotel with no name of the outside as averyone knows the Chateau Frontenac Royal York, Toronto, a CP hotel tried to change it's name on the outide from Royal York to Fairmont last year or so and quite an uproad. Consider the other fine CP hotels Chateau Laurier Banff Springs, Lake Louise, The Empress in Victoris Hotel Vancouver etc, etc What other railway in the States has or has such luxurious hotels.??? More on this at a later date. Reply Grinandbearit Member sinceSeptember 2002 From: CANADA 126 posts Posted by Grinandbearit on Saturday, May 21, 2005 7:43 PM Junctionfan; Re the comment on VIA P42s. They do not accelerate as fast as the F40s, in fact,much time was spent trying to reconfigure their computers to achieve better acceleration after delivery. Still not up to the F40s. Trans continental trains and Maritime trains with Budd cars have F40s exculsively. GMDs load up and take off much better than GEs. Also,thats why CP generally uses SD 40s on their Expressway trains. Reply siberianmo Member sinceFebruary 2004 From: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA 7,214 posts Posted by siberianmo on Sunday, May 22, 2005 10:40 AM Canadian Rail Journey, Part III The trip back to Montreal on Monday, May 9th, was aboard a similar VIA Rail consist to the one that brought me to Ottawa (4 LRC coaches powered by a Genesis P42 loco). The car was only 1/3rd full, whereas the morning train was packed. My only gripe with the outbound train to Montreal is that there was no opportunity to snap off a few pix …. Boarding call, followed by a “march” to the cars, very structured and organized to say the least. Departing the Ottawa station at 3:10 PM, Train #34 began the scheduled nearly 2 hour trip to Montreal. The ride was smooth and comfortable. Before I knew it, we were approaching Place Bonaventure and Montreal’s Central Station. Our early arrival (10 minutes) provided me with a little over an hour before boarding call for the “Ocean” and my return trip to Halifax. One thing of note on the way back from Ottawa was my observance of a N. de M. electrified locomotive sitting at one of the shops near downtown, on the south side of the mainline. This loco didn’t look “well” and my guess (since corroborated) is that it was there for maintenance. I didn’t have the time to snap off a photo, for before I knew it, there it was – and there it went! I still have to look twice when I see the N. de M. markings on rail cars – seeing more of ‘em these days as CP’s and CN’s empires expand. Once again, sitting within Montreal’s Central Station, listening to the sounds of the train announcements – chimes – bilingual announcements – the hustle and bustle of a real live train station all around me. Yes – this was and remains a special place for me and those of us who appreciate all aspects of passenger rail travel. The boarding for the Ocean took place precisely at 6 PM for those holding Easterly Class tickets (bedrooms). Proceeding down the escalator to the awaiting train, gleaming in the station lights, I found myself mesmerized once again with just how great those Budd stainless steel cars look and how well VIA Rail has maintained them. (Sure, some may find fault here and there, but my take on that is these very same people probably have “issues” with most things in life – perhaps even Santa Claus!) My single bedroom (Roomette) this time was at floor level and once getting my gear stowed, I proceeded to the next car, the Evangeline Park observation dome. The 11 car train was the same that brought me to Montreal in the morning – 2 FP40’s (#6441 & 6405) – one baggage, two coaches, one Skyline dome car, one dining car, five Chateau series bedroom cars and the Evangeline Park observation dome car. Car attendants were the same as well, “Joanne” in the Park car and “Al” in the Chateau Brule bedroom car adjacent to the Park car. Sitting up in the dome – front seat on the right side, I engaged in my familiar “routine” of watching the procession of commuter trains leaving with their cars full, heading off to their suburban destinations. On the right side were the electrified loco’s (out of sight as they had backed in) and on the far left were the trains powered by F40PH’s of Montreal commuter rail system, “AMT” – translated: Montreal Agency of Transportation. During my time in the dome, I did see on LRC consist arrive, powered by a Genesis P42 in that great VIA Rail livery. 6:30 PM arrived and the Ocean slowly left the station behind as once again daylight enveloped the train, giving new perspective to it all. Crossing the St. Lawrence on the Victoria Jubilee Bridge is always special. The Seaway below, with the ships heading off to their destinations, the automobiles, trucks and buses on the bridge, a passing commuter train to the left and of course the structure itself with a turnout to the right, over the water no less. Really is interesting to take it all in. On this evening, I decided to forgo the dining car experience for two reasons. First, the menu was the same as our Thursday, May 5th trip to Halifax and my Sunday, May 8th trip to Montreal. Enough! Second, I just wasn’t all that hungry – so a sandwich in the Park car dome, with a couple of Alexander Keith’s pale ales “worked” well for me. VIA Rail is about to undergo several changes to what many of their regular passengers have taken for granted. I posted a separate thread regarding these changes on two forums, and provided Email’s to several people who requested this insight. So, for anyone interested in what these changes are all about – check the previous posts on this thread, and you’ll find them.] Remaining in the Park car’s dome until about 10:30 PM, I finally gave in to the urge to sleep, and called it a day – a long, enjoyable day. I had accomplished that which was to be done – once again enjoyed the “light show” of the loco’s headlight playing games with the shadows of the night along with the assorted reflections of color bouncing off the rooflines of the cars before me. The signal lights changing, the illumination within the structures within view of the tracks and the occasional highway vehicle racing along in the night. Always captivates my interests ……. Tuesday morning, May 10th and the last leg of my “solo” rail trip would be coming to and end this day. The day began a bit on the overcast side, no rain, just somewhat gloomy. Up at 6:30 AM Atlantic Daylight Savings Time, and directly to the Park car dome. A couple of “shots” of juice, coffee and cookies (purchased at one of the shops within Montreal’s Central Station), provided me with the “start” I needed. “Joanne” was provided with her remuneration in the form of a new cookie supply for being so kind to me the day before.] More than one passenger asked about the “Continental breakfast,” only to be told it no longer is offered (as explained in one of my previous trip reports.) Unfortunately, it appears VIA Rail didn’t do a good job in keeping the passengers informed, especially those accustomed to this particular feature. Breakfast in the dining car was enjoyable, as always. Several people were commenting aloud with regard to the “missing” continental breakfast in the Park Car’s bullet lounge. It appears that good public relations was not enhanced by this move. At Campbellton, New Brunswick – about a 15 minute stop - two VIA Rail engineers boarded the train as passenger. They were operating Train #15 on Monday night heading towards Montreal when, according to the senior Engineer, a woman apparently committed suicide right in front of their locomotive. A 42 year old woman stopped her vehicle on the tracks at Nigadoo, NB and waited for the train to hit her. The Engineers were taken off the train for return to Moncton on our train, somewhat somber to say the least.. Needless to say, she died at the scene. If you’ve never witnessed the scenery in that part of New Brunswick, I find it to be worth the view. Lots of water – the Bay of Chaleur, rivers, inlets and lots of wooded areas, punctuated by a building or three now and then. Stopping at Miramichi, at Miramichi Bay, always perks my interests too. Formerly, Newcastle, the name change apparently was attributable to the mergers of several communities into what it is today. Anyway, for the duration of the stop, there always seems to be lots to look at. Arriving at Moncton, NB at 11:45 AM, it was time to stretch the aging legs, take some photo’s (again!) and just enjoy what looked like would be turning into a blue skies day after all. The best part of the trip, insofar as my choice in scenery was yet to come. Passing through Sackville, NB with the Bay of Funday to the right, the prison to the left and then the historic Sackville Station to the right brought back many fond memories. Sackville happens to be the home of a good friend of mine and at least annually, I try to visit with him on a “turn around’ VIA Rail trip from Montreal. There’s about a 4 hour opportunity for a get together, then the westbound pulls in – thereby giving me a “two nighter” on the train, coupled with a brief reunion with my friend. Works well every time! Next stop was Amherst, NB – first station stop in Nova Scotia. That is followed by Springhill Junction (flag stop) and I always look for Anne Murray – but somehow our schedules just don’t ever coincide! Traveling eastward to Truro, the scenery is simply beautiful as the train takes to the ridge line of the mountains (“hills” to those of you in western provinces and states!). On this day, Train #15 passed us on the right, an all Renaissance consist heading to Montreal. From Truro to Halifax, nothing but blue skies and signs of lots of flooding from the torrential rains of recent days past. Passing by “Mom’s” house at Bedford Basin, my wife and mother-in-law were on the front porch, waving as the Park car zoomed by. Another picture taken and another “signal” given to fire up the Buick for the trip to the station in order to pick me up. Works every time! So, that’s about it. Leg #3 of my 4 part VIA Rail adventure came to an end at 4:45 PM ADST – 25 minutes late – but once again, as far as I’m concerned – on time! To be continued ………. See y’all now 'n then! Tom (Siberianmo) Happy Railroading! Siberianmo Reply « First«78910111213 Join our Community! Our community is FREE to join. 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QUOTE: VerMontanan Posted: 18 May 2005, 15:03:28 Tom, Was your fare on the Ocean (albeit this is a bit "off season" still) some or a lot more than in years past? I checked the fare for a roundtrip to Gaspe in the fall, and it was over $400 for a single bedroom. Quit a bit more than in years past.
QUOTE: Morning on the “Ocean” began very early for me. I arose at 4 AM – and decided to sit in the Evangeline Park’s dome until our stop at Charny station. While this stop has existed for decades, the feature stop for the “Ocean” was at a place on the south bank of the St. Lawrence Seaway, directly across from Quebec City called Levis. When on the eastbound, the train sat for about 20 minutes, which gave the passengers an incredible view of the ramparts and lights of Quebec City – just wonderful. The westbound got in a bit early (as with Charny), so most times I slept through that ….. About five years ago, the tracks were sold and removed for Condominiums (or so the story goes) and the Levis station faded into history. The ferry connection between Levis and Quebec City lost much of its charm insofar as passenger train travelers were concerned.
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