[crs1026]

Far back in this thread there are ways to do it.It has something to do with the signalling that could be changed.

While it’s nice to imagine CN changing out its equipment for a different flavour of signalling, the potential headaches of calibrating that new tech at each location and the learning curve for maintainers and technical staff (which again may be location specific to some degree) would probably leave CN firmly opposed - even if someone were willing to fund the change.
Not to say that some changes could ‘t happen over time as equipment reaches end of life… but the task is far from a plug and play transition. There would be lots of 03:00 callouts for maintainers at premium pay rates to tweak each location.

- Paul

 

[micheal_can]

While it’s nice to imagine CN changing out its equipment for a different flavour of signalling, the potential headaches of calibrating that new tech at each location and the learning curve for maintainers and technical staff (which again may be location specific to some degree) would probably leave CN firmly opposed - even if someone were willing to fund the change.
Not to say that some changes could ‘t happen over time as equipment reaches end of life… but the task is far from a plug and play transition. There would be lots of 03:00 callouts for maintainers at premium pay rates to tweak each location.

- Paul

I am not suggesting that is the solution. I am saying though that had CN been clear that the new fleet would be too short that Via would not be in the mess they are in. I do not blame Via if CN did not inform them of this. However, one of the options to fix this mess is changing the signal system out for something else.

 

[smallspy]

Quite true, for now...although this should be watched carefully going forward.

While demand may not have shrunk, the question ought to be - has the CN play harmed the growth in business that VIA was counting on by renewing its fleet.

VIA's objective is increased modal share - while the ship may not be sinking, if a business isn't growing, it's in a bit of trouble.

- Paul

This is absolutely the case.

Part of VIA"s business case for the new fleet was for increased equipment utilization, and thus the increase in service that it allows. The idea that the new trains, although the same in quantity, would allow more runs each day by being a little bit quicker than the old equipment, and not requiring loads of times to be built into the ends of the runs to spin the equipment.

CN has completely blown is part of the plan out of the water.

Dan