Canadian National Railway Co. (CN) is currently grappling with a network-wide system failure, causing disruptions that extend to Via Rail, GO Transit, and other train services operating in Ontario.
A statement from Ontario’s GO Transit and Metrolinx on Tuesday acknowledged the extensive impact of the CN network-wide system failure. It read, “There is a CN network-wide system failure that is affecting all of our rail corridors. Our teams are working with CN to resolve the issue quickly and safely.” In response to the situation, GO trains have been instructed to hold at the nearest station, and departures have been temporarily suspended.
Via Rail Canada, in an online statement, also confirmed that several trains entering and departing Toronto’s Union Station are facing delays due to the ongoing CN system failure. Toronto’s UP Express, the airport train service, is another transportation option affected by this issue. Notably, both GO trains and the UP Express are operated by Metrolinx, an Ontario Crown corporation.
Reports have emerged on social media, with passengers sharing their experiences of waiting for extended periods on affected trains due to the disruption caused by the network-wide failure.
As of Tuesday afternoon, it was observed that CN’s website appeared to be inaccessible. Despite these disruptions, CN Railway had not provided an immediate response to requests for comment, leaving passengers and authorities alike eagerly awaiting updates on the situation and progress toward resolving the network-wide system failure.
There is a CN network wide system failure that is affecting all rail corridors. Trains are holding at their nearest stations. Our teams are working with CN to resolve the issue quickly and safely. We will provide an update when more information becomes available.
— Metrolinx (@Metrolinx) October 3, 2023