Via Rail service improvement faces audit pressure

Via Rail service improvement remains a central issue in Canada’s latest auditor general report. At the same time, the Crown corporation received a positive overall assessment for its management practices.

Via Rail service improvement and on-time performance

In a new report, Karen Hogan says the passenger rail operator has not improved on-time performance over the past decade. Meanwhile, that measure fell to 30 per cent in the first three months of 2025. Still, the report says that level could discourage passengers from returning to the service.

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Also, the report says recent limits on train speed and service frequency have played a role in the delays. In addition, those limits were imposed by track owners and other partners. Separately, that issue was also covered by Railway Supply.

Auditor general report highlights governance and financial pressure

Hogan also points to shortcomings in risk management. For example, she says improvements are needed in board governance and strategic planning. At the same time, the auditor general says Via Rail demonstrates “good corporate management practices overall.”

Via Rail has also faced financial strain in recent years. Meanwhile, its 2024 Annual Report says operating costs were more than double revenue in 2024.

Separately, this report by The Canadian Press was first published March 16, 2026, as shown in Barchart.

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