CN computer network outage halts GO Transit, VIA trains

MONTREAL — Canadian National Railway is experiencing a systemwide computer network failure affecting operations of GO Transit and VIA Rail Canada, as well as CN’s customer service.

The railroad said in a post on Facebook this afternoon (Tuesday, Oct. 3) that it was experiencing “an internet connectivity and Electronic Data Interchange issue.” GO and VIA trains out of Toronto Union Station are impacted, as are the company’s customer service portal, since all require internet connections. CN trains are operating, as are those of Amtrak and Montreal-area commuter rail system Exo.

“While there is no indication of a cyber security issue, the cause of the outage is currently under investigation,” CN said in its statement.

As of 6:30 p.m. EDT, CTV News reports that some commuter trains were “trickling out” of Toronto Union Station every 30 minutes or so, but that provincial transit agency Metrolinx anticipated delays and cancellations would continue into the evening.

Metrolinx recommended in a statement that passengers “continue to explore alternative ways to get to your destination this evening – or consider travelling later this evening when trains and buses are expected to be less busy.” The UP Express service to Toronto’s Pearson Airport was also affected.

VIA advised passengers on its social media channels that “some trains entering and departing Toronto Union Station will experience delays” and advised passengers to check its website for updated train status.

Toronto’s transit agency, the Toronto Transit Commission, increased subway, bus, and streetcar service in response to the commuter rail issues. Prices for ride-sharing services were reported to have skyrocketed because of increased demand, CTV reported.

The CN problems come just five days after Norfolk Southern experienced a network outage that halted train operations, a problem the railroad said would require weeks from which to fully recover [see “Norfolk Southern again hit by technology issues,” Trains News Wire, Oct. 1, 2023]. It was the second such problem for NS in little more than a month.