CanadaPolitics

Much of that involves building dedicated rail so that passenger trains don’t get stuck behind freight trains. Indeed, it looks like Via is going to do that — at least on the Windsor–Quebec City corridor, where 96 per cent of Via trips take place.

I think this is the key? I can't help but think Via is forever fighting the battle with one hand tied behind its back. In theory, if it's not going to be a high speed service, it should at least be price-competitive with intercity buses as rail is a more efficient form of transport. But bus companies don't have to lease the roads from companies that can raise the rates the minute they start to show a profit, or prioritize freight on those roads. If they owned their own lines, they could legit start offering reliable, high-speed service.