by jp1822
Enjoyed my trip, overall, from Toronto out to the Maritimes. And of course enjoyed my stay in the Halifax and coastal regions of Nova Scotia.
As for VIA 1 - it was ok. Its comparable to Acela Express 1st class, but I like the seating better in Acela Express 1st class. I did have a HEPII trainset for my trip from Toronto to Montreal on the Saturday. Not sure if the LRC would have made my experience a different rating or not. As for the route between Toronto and Montreal - hate to say this but I'd rather have a travel at night option Bring back the Enterprise! I know they say the Enterprise just did not have the patronage, but when ever I took it - it was filled. Course that was mostly on days when it connected with the Canadian. There were a couple of scenic spots,on the Toronto to Montreal run, but that was about it. I was surprised on how rural it was between Toronto and Montreal.
As always the VIA crew was superb on both the corridor train between Toronto and Montreal and my ride out to the Maritimes on the Ocean.
My trip on the Ocean was great. The Renaissance equipment was as I remembered it from being on the Enterprise - compact. But overall, I do miss the Budd stainless steel equipment that plied the route to the Maritimes. I was booked in Easterly Class and without the Park Car on the rear for lounge/observation, this would be a tough trip for me.
In the off season with just bedroom and those Renaissance service cars, which do not have enough seating in them (despite some upgrading on the seat material) it would not be as enjoyable. Course if VIA had the money - that'd be a different story.
The crew said they have been enduring a lot of comments (mostly negative) on the newer Renaissance equipment over the more spacious Budd stainless steel cars. But I think people will adapt to the Renaissance cars in the Maritimes. Course those that never experienced the Budd Stainless steel cars probably wounldn't complain, and all Easterly Class passengers enjoyed the Park Car!
The Renaissance sleepers were indeed made for a route where passengers could board in the late evening and get off in the morning.
But VIA has made comprimises, as the TRAINS magazine article points out (latest issue). People use the Ocean for different purposes and VIA is trying to meet those customer's needs. The three classes of service (coach, comfort sleeper, easterly sleeper) make this train unique and something Amtrak may be able to learn from.
But better lounge space is certainly needed for the Renaissance equipment for the Ocean - other than tacking on a Park Car. More seating, window space etc. The decorations added in the sleepers, diner and transition car (between Renaissance and Park Car) of the Ocean trainsets are a really nice touch VIA did.
And the Learning Coordinator was great. I would definitely recommend this train to others. I just wish they still had the overnight option between Toronto and Montreal.
As for VIA 1 - it was ok. Its comparable to Acela Express 1st class, but I like the seating better in Acela Express 1st class. I did have a HEPII trainset for my trip from Toronto to Montreal on the Saturday. Not sure if the LRC would have made my experience a different rating or not. As for the route between Toronto and Montreal - hate to say this but I'd rather have a travel at night option Bring back the Enterprise! I know they say the Enterprise just did not have the patronage, but when ever I took it - it was filled. Course that was mostly on days when it connected with the Canadian. There were a couple of scenic spots,on the Toronto to Montreal run, but that was about it. I was surprised on how rural it was between Toronto and Montreal.
As always the VIA crew was superb on both the corridor train between Toronto and Montreal and my ride out to the Maritimes on the Ocean.
My trip on the Ocean was great. The Renaissance equipment was as I remembered it from being on the Enterprise - compact. But overall, I do miss the Budd stainless steel equipment that plied the route to the Maritimes. I was booked in Easterly Class and without the Park Car on the rear for lounge/observation, this would be a tough trip for me.
In the off season with just bedroom and those Renaissance service cars, which do not have enough seating in them (despite some upgrading on the seat material) it would not be as enjoyable. Course if VIA had the money - that'd be a different story.
The crew said they have been enduring a lot of comments (mostly negative) on the newer Renaissance equipment over the more spacious Budd stainless steel cars. But I think people will adapt to the Renaissance cars in the Maritimes. Course those that never experienced the Budd Stainless steel cars probably wounldn't complain, and all Easterly Class passengers enjoyed the Park Car!
The Renaissance sleepers were indeed made for a route where passengers could board in the late evening and get off in the morning.
But VIA has made comprimises, as the TRAINS magazine article points out (latest issue). People use the Ocean for different purposes and VIA is trying to meet those customer's needs. The three classes of service (coach, comfort sleeper, easterly sleeper) make this train unique and something Amtrak may be able to learn from.
But better lounge space is certainly needed for the Renaissance equipment for the Ocean - other than tacking on a Park Car. More seating, window space etc. The decorations added in the sleepers, diner and transition car (between Renaissance and Park Car) of the Ocean trainsets are a really nice touch VIA did.
And the Learning Coordinator was great. I would definitely recommend this train to others. I just wish they still had the overnight option between Toronto and Montreal.