VIA Rail has apologized for the travel delays and train cancellations over the holiday season.

Just before Christmas, The Ocean‘s eastbound and westbound trains between Montreal and Halifax were delayed, later cancelled and had to return to their points of origin after debris from a winter storm left the Mont-Joli subdivision (the railway line between Riviere-du-Loup and Campbellton) impassable.

Travellers also faced delays in VIA’s Quebec City-Windsor corridor region due to severe weather and a freight train derailment.

VIA Rail President and CEO Martin R. Landry said he regrets that many Christmas plans were disrupted and he apologized for not meeting expectations.

Landry said the company is truly sorry for letting their passengers down.

“We know, we should have been more forthcoming in sharing information about trains that were delayed and in communicating updates. We also know we should have adopted a different approach in supporting passengers on trains that were delayed for lengthy periods,” stated Landry.

The Crown corporation will be reviewing its holiday performance with the help of outside experts.

“Beyond not having met the expectations of our customers, we have not lived up to our own standards. Despite weather events and a freight train derailment beyond our control, it is clear that lessons will be learned, and changes will be made,” added Landry.

VIA has offered a full refund to passengers on the affected trains along with travel credits for those whose trains were immobilized.