Why is there even a train schedule?
My senior mother with mobility limitations has taken the train from Kitchener to visit me in Ottawa once or twice a year for the last 3 years. Without fail, every single time, her first train from Kitchener to Toronto is delayed by literally hours.
Her initial itinerary always includes a 2+ hour layover in Toronto. Should be lots of buffer right? And yet, every. single. time. she needs her connection rebooked. She's supposed to arrive at 8pm but she has never arrived before 10. When I call Via Rail, they tell me "her second train [rebooked] arrived within the 60 minute window, so she doesn't qualify for a 50% off coupon". But she was only rebooked because the first train was HOURS late and her whole itinerary needed to be adjusted! (I have fought this every time and they eventually do issue the coupon.)
I know this route is notoriously unreliable, but seriously??
Why does Via Rail even bother with a schedule?
Thank you for reading my pointless yelling into the void.
/vent
(She tried taking the GO train to Toronto once, and it got fully cancelled so she had to book with Via anyway at same day prices $$$)