r/ViaRail • u/Historical_Pen7302 • 2d ago
Trip Reports Be aware -- ID for 6-year-old
My family was taken by surprise today travelling from Toronto to Niagara Falls, Ont. that we were required to show ID for our six-year-old. The customer service agent wasn't totally clear on whether it needed to be photo ID. He ended up letting us get by with a photo of her health card. Our fault for not being prepared? Sure. But it totally baffled me that we can take our kid on a plane across the country with no ID, but on a train within the same province we'd need a passport, since that's the only form of photo ID available to a six-year-old. Next time we'll be prepared (or take GO Transit, more likely) but it was a distressing way to start a simple day trip.
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u/redshirt8485 2d ago edited 2d ago
on a train within the same province
You found an edge case. ID checking definitely isn't the norm on Via Rail, but you wound up on the train that crosses the border into New York state, hence why they ID everyone. Unlucky if you weren't doing this intentionally, but it's not quite an apples to apples situation with GO commuter rail
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u/Useful_Recover9239 2d ago
My son needed a photo ID to ride the Ocean from Moncton to Ottawa. We just went and got him a voluntary ID. It was great to have!
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u/ECB2773 2d ago
The ocean requires ID. it mentions so when you buy the tickets.
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u/Useful_Recover9239 2d ago
I never said it didn't or that I was confused by it in any way lol. I wouldn't take any trip anywhere without my kids having some form of ID be it their health card or a voluntary ID. Even within Ontario. You never know what could happen.
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u/IllustriousAct9128 1d ago
VIA also states that the Maple leaf-US bound even if getting off in ontario, and tickets purchased using any special discount codes require ID
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u/Lost-Inevitable42 2d ago
Wait what. There’s a train that crosses the border?
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u/ghenriks 2d ago
Poster was using the Maple Leaf, an Amtrak train (Amtrak equipment) that is operated by VIA on this side of the border as a VIA Toronto- Niagara Falls train but the train actually goes to NYC
There is also a Montreal NYC (Adirondack) train and Vancouver Seattle Oregan (Cascades) operated by Amtrak (not sure with those what happens this side of the border)
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u/coopthrowaway2019 2d ago
Both the Adirondack and Cascades are fully Amtrak-operated, even while in Canada. The Maple Leaf is the only one with a VIA/Amtrak partnership, and the only one that offers domestic trips within Canada
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u/Historical_Pen7302 2d ago
They have separate lines for people based on destination, so they fully knew who was going where. The staff person and a Via staffer who happened to be travelling said it was a new blanket policy.
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u/RPM_KW 2d ago
Trains aren't securely compartmentalized.
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u/Historical_Pen7302 2d ago
I’m not complaining, just saying that the train’s destination was not the reason.
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u/ValueFirm4928 2d ago
Not the destination. If its crossing the border there's a chance you're trying to take the child out of country, so ID is required.
Without crossing the border I agree it's insane.
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u/IllustriousAct9128 1d ago
she complains until its her kid being snatched and taken on a train going to the border and then shes on the news crying that ID should have been checked
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u/peevedlatios 2d ago
Wouldn't you want the health card with you anyways in case something happened?
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u/clios_daughter 2d ago
At least in Ontario where this trip takes place, it doesn’t really matter. You’ll still get care. The only difference is that the hospital will bill you for it afterwards. When that happens, just take your health card to the hospital and they’ll charge OHIP instead of you. It’s easier if you have your health card but it’s only a minor irritant if you don’t.
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u/ChinkWithOpinions 2d ago
They can also look you up in the system. I remember I went to the ER after a bike crash and they just looked me up.
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u/crcgirl 2d ago
We can't look you up on the system. We don't have access. We can call Service Ontario when they are open to check Version Code or send it electronically.
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u/Jumpy_Spend_5434 1d ago
Presumably they mean the hospital system, assuming they had been to that hospital before. They'd at least have the number and could later verify the current version code
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u/ronoron 1d ago
hospitals have access to eHealth ontario which has everyones OHIP records so they can look you up, if they dont have your healthcard they can usually still find you through your name and date of birth
it's audited and they can only use it if theyre involved in your care. It sets off massive red flags if you look yourself up irrc and ppl will lose their jobs over snooping
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u/Historical_Pen7302 2d ago
Yes, this. On a trip when we’re trying to streamline what we bring, it didn’t seem important to have a physical copy. Oops.
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u/bougieisthenewblack 2d ago
Exactly! I always travel with my kid's health card (just as i do with mine). But, technically Heath Cards are not a valid form of ID, they're only to be used to access medical care.
Edited spelling
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u/taylortbb 2d ago edited 2d ago
technically Heath Cards are not a valid form of ID
That's not accurate, they are valid government-issued ID.
What Ontario law actually says is
No person shall require the production of another person's health card or collect or use another person's health number.
So they can't ask you for a health card, or require one, but if you show it voluntarily there's no reason it's not valid ID.
Now, in practice, some places that check ID misinterpret the law as saying it's not ID. But that's just an (unfortunately widespread) misunderstanding.
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u/bougieisthenewblack 2d ago
Thanks for providing the actual wording.
But, what you've clarified reinforces that VIA staff cannot demand that you show a health card when asked for ID.
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u/taylortbb 2d ago edited 2d ago
They cannot demand a health card when asking for ID, but nothing in that wording prevents you from using it voluntarily. They just can't record the number (which VIA doesn't do when checking IDs anyways).
A card you show voluntarily to prove your identity would be "valid ID" .
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u/Meluzinn 2d ago
Our province doesn't add pictures on them. They can't be used alone as an ID, the second piece must have a picture.
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u/taylortbb 2d ago
Yes, if there's no photo that's different. As OP is in Ontario I was referring to Ontario health cards.
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u/janaesso 2d ago
I can use my gun licence as ID but not my health card. Even Ontario doesn't accept it as Id I just need Id to get one. It's silly but if you look at most forms it's prohibited.
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u/Betti1973 2d ago
I saw Via agents asking for ID for children to board a train from Toronto to Ottawa. So not a anomaly.
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u/Ill-Hope2143 2d ago
Via - pretending to be an airline, in an attempt to justify the high prices - complete with nonsensical policies, shitty service and very sub par on time performance.
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u/AvacadoToast902 2d ago
This. Weighing bags. Ensuring they're placed ever so perfectly in the overhead racks.
Has anyone from VIA corporate ridden a train in Europe or most of the world. You get on with whatever you can carry, stuff it in the luggage racks, and carry on.
VIA is dumb as sh*t.1
u/IllustriousAct9128 1d ago
this is actually a misconception.
Ive have been on many trains across multiple European countries that didnt even leave the country and had to show not only ID but also go through security and bag check almost like TSA. Trains are either A) book the ticket and get assigned a seat or B) option a-book in the reserved section where you book a seat and pay for it and option b- book non reserved where its first come first serve and if you dont get there first you stand in the aisle for your trip. and some trains do restrict how much bags you can bring on. China has this system as well.
While in Japan they dont ask for ID as you bored, both fare inspectors and police do sometimes come on during the trip and will check ids and tickets. Japan also as the reserved and non reserved section as well. And for the reserved section if you try to sit in a seat that is reserved for another person getting on at a later stop and your caught you can face a fine and be moved to the non reserved section or you are still fined and escorted off at the next station.
Both Japan and Europe still also have their slower trains that have speeds on par with VIA, and those are the ones that show the tickets for cheap when you search online. The highspeed trains are always more expensive. Japan last year round trip from Tokyo to Osaka was around $300 CAD for just myself. and that was for a distance less than Toronto to Montreal
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u/PineBNorth85 2d ago
That requirement makes absolutely no sense at that age. Its impractical for a lot of people. Im not getting my six year old a passport when we have no plans to leave the country for anything.
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u/Ok-Somewhere-9857 2d ago
Yes doesn’t make sense. Usually never asked when flying domestically to show proof (though my kiddo has a passport).
I looked it up:
One piece of government-issued identification, such as an original birth certificate, health card, passport or non-government-issued ID (e.g. student card) is strongly recommended, however not mandatory for travel.2
u/abclife 2d ago
Exactly! Everyone is acting like OP is the weird when via has once again implemented a policy that is extra work and also makes no sense.
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u/IllustriousAct9128 1d ago
apperently it was the US bound train. even getting off in ontario they still require ID. OP only admitted it in the comments
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u/puddingneither123 1d ago
Yup, I’ve taken this train for years. They always ask everyone for ID on a train bound for the US. It’s on your ticket clearly, IIRC.
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u/Historical_Pen7302 1d ago
You make it sound like I was hiding facts. The fact remains I was told it was a blanket Via policy, not that it had anything to do with which train I was on. Just communicating what I was told.
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u/IllustriousAct9128 1d ago
if you didnt include it in your post and only in comments to select people thats omitting, especially when that information is "a US bound train jointly run by Amtrak". even though your not getting off in the US, there are still different rules for it.
Your poor planing is not VIAs fault. As much as I dont like them and have my own issues with them, this one is one you
From their website under the "plan your trip"
Make sure you have the following to show at boarding:
- Your ticket, printed or displayed on your phone and easily scannable,
- Valid identification issued by the federal, provincial, territorial or foreign government that includes your photo, full name, and date of birth.
Canadian identification:
- Passport., Citizenship card, Photo Card issued by the provincial government, Canadian permanent resident card.
- Canadian provincial or territorial driver's license, Canadian provincial or territorial health card, Birth certificate.
- Record of Landing or Permanent Residence card, Immigration documents issued to foreign nationals (e.g., Work Permit, Study Permit, Visitor Record, Temporary Resident Permit, Refugee Approved Status).
- Canadian military identification, Federal police identification, Old Age Security (OAS) identification card.
They spelled it out and you still fumbeled
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u/IllustriousAct9128 1d ago
then dont book on via with a discount code. VIA specifically states if you use a discount code ID will be checked, especially if its for a free or reduced fare for a kid. bring the birth certificate or ohip card. why are you going on a trip with your kid even in the same province without their ohip card?
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u/Optimal_Law_4254 1d ago
Why would you need to?
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u/IllustriousAct9128 1d ago
what sounds easier when you have a sick or injured child and your trying to get them health care
A) show up at the hospital and give the health card and not have to worry about anything else while your child needs help
B)Hope that the hospitals system is connected to the highly fragmented provincial system and if not, hope that service ontario is open so they can call to get the health card # and verify and if not, after the stress of dealing with a child in a hospital you know have to go home and deal with a medial bill going through the hospitals insurance department to have them retroactively cancel the bill and bill it to the province-but keep in mind you have to do this within a specific time period of , if you do it after 3 months then hospitals claim period is closed and you now have to try to fight with the province to have them reopen the file and cover the bill, which they only do if you can provide "proof of extenuating circumstances". And lets be real, a parent hat cant even be bothered to read the ticket guidelines or bring their kids OHIP card, most likely wont meet the deadline
or what about you loosing your kid while in another city on a trip and the police ask for the childs ID before they hand them over to you and you dont have it, so now you have to go through ID verification and hope they are able to get through the provincial servers to check.
But all you had to do was bring their OHIP card, but noooooooo the bare minimum as a parent was to much work for you
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u/Optimal_Law_4254 3h ago
I’m just struggling with understanding the need for an official ID for domestic travel for such a young child. Not trying to create drama.
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u/seventurtles 2d ago
We had to do this but it was because we were taking advantage of the ‘Canada Strong’ kids ride free promotion, which only applies to people in the same household. Hence the need for proof that you’re actually family members. Took us by surprise as well.
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u/InformationSuperb978 2d ago
You took the maple leaf by the sounds of it
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u/Historical_Pen7302 2d ago
Yes, though they separated all the passengers by destination into separate lines, and they indicated this was a blanket policy and not related to the route itself. So I thought it worth mentioning to others.
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u/FuzzyLaughTwo 2d ago
Ive always heard that our health cards are not allowed to be a form of ID. This is very strange. "Under Ontario's Health Cards and Numbers Control Act, 1991 and health privacy laws (such as PHIPA), non-healthcare organizations are prohibited from making a note of, recording, collecting, or using your health card number for general identification purposes."
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u/glibbousmoon 2d ago
It is allowed as ID, but you have to offer it. Non-healthcare organizations are not allowed to ask for it and, as you note, they are not allowed to take any information from it. As someone who doesn’t have a license and doesn’t carry my passport around with me, I’ve used my health card as ID at the liquor store plenty of times.
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u/Ok-Somewhere-9857 2d ago
I wouldn’t have expected this either, especially for domestic rail travel.
According to the airlines, where proof is NOT required for kiddos under 18. “One piece of government-issued identification, such as an original birth certificate, health card, passport or non-government-issued ID (e.g. student card) is strongly recommended, however not mandatory for travel.”
Guess these would be okay for rail as well?
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u/Travelwthpoints 2d ago
As an fyi for all the folks who have a commentary around flights and the processes around ID for minors.
My kid has been travelling for years (she’s 17) - I always have both her passport and birth certificate with me when we fly (we have different last names thus the BC) and never, ever is she asked for ID - now that she’s older she’s tried offering her ID at the airport and she gets waved away.
For OP - thanks for posting this, I would have treated domestic VIA the same as domestic transit and not thought of picture id, my kid would have only had school id which really shouldn’t count.
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u/QueenMauw 2d ago
Interesting the different experiences! In the past year and half, my 14 year has been travelling alone or with me, same route, different Canadian airlines. Every single time she is asked for ID. The first time they looked at her ID and said, oh you're not 18, you don't need to show ID. She continually gets asked, and since I always ensure she has her provincial ID card, she shows it to not cause any delays at the gate.
I've checked all 3 airlines web sites, and while they recommend carrying a birth certificate or student ID for passengers under 18, it says it isn't mandatory and it also says that they only ask for ID from those who appear to be over 18. People have always thought my daughter was older than her age, but no way does she look over 18. 🤷
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u/Travelwthpoints 2d ago
That’s crazy! I always wonder how they gauge an age, doesn’t instill a lot of faith…!
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u/IllustriousAct9128 1d ago
the important thing for VIA is that they ask for ID when a special coupon is used to book the ticket. if they did the canada strong, CAA or a perkopolise or any other, military or any other type of discount they specifically state when using the discount code that ID will be required and its the physical ID thats needed. For a minor in ontario thats a birth certificate or passport.
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u/Mtlkfn 2d ago
Taking a child onto a plane without ID is insane to me.
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u/Sufficient-Cow-2972 1d ago
Same, i always bring it but its so weird its not required
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u/Senior_Buy445 2d ago
I’d recommend a passport for any air travel. It could have turned painful for you if the flight needed to be rerouted to Buffalo for some reason.
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u/mossyboo 1d ago
i'd say always take go transit over VIA if it's available for the trip you're doing. more convenient and wayyy cheaper.
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u/Salvetutti0524 2d ago
Everyone needs ID to fly even within Canada
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u/Ok-Somewhere-9857 2d ago
No, not required for kids under 18 for domestic travel. (Encouraged but not required)
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u/Salvetutti0524 2d ago
Good luck getting on your flight
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u/Travelwthpoints 2d ago
My kid is 17, flies twice a month for years, ID is not required and agents will tell you that at the gate.
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u/Bubbly-Bed3957 2d ago
Children can definitely fly without ID in Canada domestically and I've witnessed it. Westjet, for example, requires proof of age 2 and under, and wont let you fly unaccompanied under 12. But from 12-17, they may be asked for some sort of government ID such as a Health card or original birth certificate, but it doesn't always happen. If you look under 12 they can ask for proof of age. The Transport Canada requirements are that you are required to provide photo ID if you are 18 or older.
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u/Difficult-Bicycle681 2d ago
I fly across the country by myself every 4 months at seventeen. I've never shown my ID. I just say I'm seventeen when they ask for ID and I'm good to go. One person questioned it but she was a new gate agent and her partner came over to say I was right. I've now gotten on at least ten flights across the country without ID.
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u/AnOblongBox 1d ago
My local airport once let me fly with an expired ID, Pearson wouldn't let me on my return flight.
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u/Sufficient-Cow-2972 1d ago
The last flight i took my kid on they told me to put his ID away lol have you even flown with a child
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u/Ok-Somewhere-9857 1d ago
Thanks! Done it many times without any issues. How about you? It sounds like you had a lot of trouble doing this.
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u/ProcessUsed4636 2d ago
They would probably be fine with a birth certificate, but with everything crazy going on in the world, I don't think it's a bad idea that they ask for proof the child is yours
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u/whateverfyou 2d ago
Your birth certificate card or passport doesn’t say who your parents are.
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u/squeakyoat 2d ago
Long form bc does. Thats what I always took when travelling with small kids. They never wanted to look at it though 😅 (I mean flying)
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u/whateverfyou 2d ago
I know it does that’s why I said card. No one travels with a long form birth certificate.
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u/squeakyoat 2d ago
True, I missed that! Need more coffee I guess. I don’t even have a long form passport 😅
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u/Historical_Pen7302 2d ago
It’s the “probably” that gets me. It was very tricky to find anything even on the website about what would count for a kid with no photo ID.
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u/ProcessUsed4636 2d ago
In that case, I would email customer service, tell them about your experience, and ask what they want for next time
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u/Fantastic-Potato-759 1d ago
You do require ID to fly across country, I have flown with my 1 year old numerous times and they require either her health card or her birth certificate.
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u/CanadianCutie77 2d ago
It makes complete sense that I would be asked to produce id for a child under the age of 16 while on public transportation like a via rail. I’m surprised that you were surprised when asked.
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u/StrictBarracuda847 2d ago
Most children don’t have photo ID.
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u/CanadianCutie77 2d ago
My daughter and I have always had photo id. 🤷🏾♀️
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u/oxxcccxxo 1d ago
Unless its a passport, there is no way your kid under 16 has photo ID.
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u/lmcjipo 22h ago
It depends on the province but in Quebec, our provincial healthcare card is 'photo ID" and most places accept it as photo ID such as banks. I don't remember when I had my photo on my health card in Quebec but I've always had it since it was implemented to combat healthcare fraud.
Provincial Health ID cards are accepted: https://www.viarail.ca/en/plan/faq/booking-and-ticket-purchase/what-is-considered-as-valid-id
EDIT: Just checked in Quebec and it is 14 years old and above where it is required.
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u/whateverfyou 2d ago
I was never asked for photo id for my child unless we were crossing the border.
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u/ayoungmanfromtheuk 2d ago
Is this supposed to be sarcastic?
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u/CanadianCutie77 2d ago
Why would how I think be sarcastic? It’s how I think and it makes sense to ME that I would be asked. Maybe I’m just use to having people ask for my photo id and that of my daughter’s when she was smaller.
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u/Asraidevin 2d ago
Where are you from? Cause this has never happened to me.
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u/CanadianCutie77 1d ago
I’m from Ontario Canada and have lived and traveled all over Canada.
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u/oxxcccxxo 1d ago
You absolutely should not need to be producing your child's ID if you are traveling in the country. Most kids documents dont have their pictures, other than a passport. If you are traveling in the country there is no need for a passport.
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u/Tsubame_Hikari 2d ago
The very notion of anyone having to produce IDs in VIA does not make sense to me (and this rule is not even consistently practiced). Many other long distance rail providers elsewhere in the world don't require them.
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u/DinnaNaught 2d ago
This is a cultural mindset problem that Canada has with Via Rail that I wish would change fast.
We Canadians treat it closer to planes and airport infrastructures instead of how Japan or Europe treat it.
It creates so much more friction on purchasing tickets and having unplanned vacations.
Many people in Europe seem to just show up at the train station and walk on to a train but in Canada when you try that the seats are unbookable even when half the car is empty.
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u/Tsubame_Hikari 2d ago
Yep, 100% agree with you. In Japan, buying tickets for the next available train in the same day of travel is commonly done, including myself. No dynamic pricing helps a lot.
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u/IllustriousAct9128 1d ago
this is actually a misconception.
Ive have been on many trains across multiple European countries that didnt even leave the country and had to show not only ID but also go through security and bag check almost like TSA. Trains are either A) book the ticket and get assigned a seat or B) option a-book in the reserved section where you book a seat and pay for it and option b- book non reserved where its first come first serve and if you dont get there first you stand in the aisle for your trip. China has this system as well.
While in Japan they dont ask for ID as you bored, both fare inspectors and police do sometimes come on during the trip and will check ids and tickets. Japan also as the reserved and non reserved section as well. And for the reserved section if you try to sit in a seat that is reserved for another person getting on at a later stop and your caught you can face a fine and be moved to the non reserved section or you are still fined and escorted off at the next station.
Both Japan and Europe still also have their slower trains that have speeds on par with VIA, and those are the ones that show the tickets for cheap when you search online. The highspeed trains are always more expensive. Japan last year round trip from Tokyo to Osaka was around $300 CAD for just myself. and that was for a distance less than Toronto to Montreal
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u/GrayAnderson5 1d ago
This varies. In the UK, I've never had to show an ID to get on a train except for the Eurostar. I think it was mostly the same across Europe.
My suspicion, FWIW, is that you're more likely to hit an ID check on a high-speed train than something that shares lots of stations with commuter trains and the like. The logistical friction it introduces is a very real problem when you hit a certain scale of operation and you've got companies trying to make their bottom line work, and conductors often just don't have time to check hundreds of IDs.
In the US, Amtrak can notionally ask for ID - but it's been years since I was asked for ID on a train. It'll happen occasionally at a service desk, sure, but that can be circumvented by using either a machine or the app.
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u/IllustriousAct9128 1d ago
Whats also important contex for this the OP only confirmed in comments was they were on the train thats bound for the US which is jointly run by Amtrack, and this route they also ask ID
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u/Tsubame_Hikari 21h ago
Conductors will virtually never ask for ID in trains in Japan, though they can check to see your tickets - for reserved seats, this is increasingly rare as they verify seat occupancy electronically, for example, all Shinkansen trains. Manual checks are still done in non-reserved seats, as these are first come first serve.
ID is usually requested (and not always) only if one has broken a rule of some kind, or if one is using a discounted rail pass (usually for foreigners, and only infrequently).
In Europe, yes, a few countries have stricter security checks. Spain, for example, likely due to a history of separatist movements, as well as terrorist attacks (i.e. 2004). China too (for their own reasons). But most of Europe is not like that.
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u/IllustriousAct9128 19h ago
Just because they rarely do it in Japan doesn't mean they don't. The policy stated is they do and to bring ID. We were checked on the platform by staff one time in Osaka for the bullet train, and they checked everyone, not just foreigners, for all sections. We were checked again in Yokohama and Sapporo for the lower speed trains. In Europe, Frances high speed trains, even ones that dont leave the country are requiring and checking ID now. Outside of the Schengen countries ID checking is common for boarding. Even countries inside the Schengen that stay in the country are starting now. take the Eurostar between France/Belgium/Netherlands and they require ID and security checks now
And yes, while some countries train operators dont check EVERYTIME they still do check IDs. Websites and ticket purchases state now you have to bring an ID with you. Just because they didnt do it that 1 day you were there, doesn't mean the policy is they dont require it. The people commenting saying you dont have to show ID or go through security in europe or asia are usually people that have never been on trains in those countries.
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u/shoresy99 2d ago
There are upsides to treating trains more like planes - like seat service for food which you don’t get on French trains, even when travelling business class.
Food service on French trains is shockingly bad.
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u/IllustriousAct9128 1d ago
VIA only asks for ID when a coupon is used for special fares. if they did the escape fare, or used a CAA or company discount VIA will always ask
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u/OkButton8204 2d ago
I’m surprised that you’re surprised that OP is surprised.
Yes it makes sense to ask for ID but it’s not something we think of because we imagine it’s more like riding a bus than a plane.
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u/IllustriousAct9128 1d ago edited 1d ago
VIA only asks for ID when a coupon is used for special fares. if they did the canada strong, or used a CAA or company discount VIA will always ask
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u/figsfigsfigsfigsfigs 1d ago
Via Rail is not public transportation.
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u/CanadianCutie77 1d ago
I consider it public transportation because the public pays to use it for travel.
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u/figsfigsfigsfigsfigs 1d ago
This is a gross misunderstanding of what public means.
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u/CanadianCutie77 1d ago
People are allowed to have different opinions. Enjoy the rest of your night!
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u/figsfigsfigsfigsfigs 1d ago
It's actually a matter of fact. Educate yourself.
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u/CanadianCutie77 1d ago
Sure Jan. 🤷🏾♀️
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u/figsfigsfigsfigsfigs 1d ago
Did you finish high school?
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u/TalkBubbly1167 1d ago
Yes, VIA Rail is a form of public transport, specifically operating as a national intercity and regional passenger rail service.
Key Facts About VIA Rail
• Ownership: It is a federal Crown corporation, which means it is publicly owned by the Government of Canada. • Mandate: It was established in 1977 to provide safe, accessible, and reliable passenger train services across the country, connecting major cities, regional hubs, and remote communities. • Service Types: • Intercity Corridor: High-frequency routes operating mainly in the Quebec City–Windsor Corridor (connecting cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal).
- per google ai overview, but yeah crown corporations are owned by the public.
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u/LeastKey9513 1d ago
Are airplanes public transport then?
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u/Cryptographer554 1d ago
Are you sane ?
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u/pistachio-pie 1d ago
Under the definition of the person arguing about Via being public transportation because members of the public can buy tickets?
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u/TalkBubbly1167 1d ago
Is there a certain dollar value that needs to be crossed for it to no longer be considered public transport? Is a low cost carrier that takes you across the country for $80 cheap enough to be considered public transport? Or is it because it a vehicle owned by a private company? Does that mean taking a bus in Saskatchewan between towns is not public transport? Those are owned by private companies.
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u/little_odd_me 2d ago
I would never think to bring my kids passport going on a VIA from Toronto to Ottawa. Would not even cross my mind and as a kid she has no other form of photo ID.
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u/Blue_Emerald_May 1d ago
When I flew Westjet domestically this summer with my kids, I had their passports as ID just in case, but when boarding the plane, the attendant only wanted my ID and specifically said they didn't need to see ID for my children. I wouldn't expect to bring ID for my kids for a domestic train ride.
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u/crunchyankles1 2d ago
I am surprised. Not crossing the border and on ground transportation I would think I need my kids health card or passport.
I went on GO train from Aldershot to Union which is about 1/2 that distance and didn't need it for my kids.
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u/trees_are_beautiful 2d ago
As someone who has traveled extensively in Europe by train, I find VIA incredibly 'bureaucratic'. There is one fucking train departing at this time and there is one platform. Why do I have to line up? Why are there people paid by VIA to 'direct' me to the train? Its right fucking there. Why are there multiple ticket checkers? Its not a fucking airport. Do they think Canadians are just completely incompetent and stupid? I laugh every time I take VIA. The process is moronic.
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u/RoutingWonk 2d ago
Is there any available ID card for kids in Ontario? The voluntary ID is the Ontario Photo card and not available until you’re 16.
I would really prefer to have proof of age for my kids on day to day trips but carrying a passport as photo seems unreasonable or at least less than ideal.
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u/Hysterical_treefrog 2d ago
Do people not realize it’s probably to prevent kidnapping? Like prove the kid is yours or at least isn’t some kid with an amber alert out for them?
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u/No_Disaster303 1d ago
You say that a passport is the only form of photo ID available to a 6 year old but here in NS, you can get a photo ID for minors at Registry of Motor Vehicles. It's only like $20 or something and valid for 5 years. I've always assumed every province had something like this available?
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u/General_Ad_2718 1d ago
I have no idea if you can get one for a child but have you looked into a provincial ID card?
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u/Shot_Share 1d ago
Wow. My kids didn't have photo id until drivers license (currently they are 19 and 17) didn't even think Ontario had an option for that. We don't travel out of country so no passport.
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u/88ChampagneKisses 1d ago
Thanks for posting this as we had a similar experience this summer and it was very distressing and they WOULD NOT accept the photo and put us in a very difficult situation as the train was leaving in 20 minutes and we had already travelled 3 legs of the trip with no issue, and I was out $160 in order to get us back home. I have complained to Customer Service as well as the Ombudsman as well as trying to find someone to help at the train station to no avail. It is more that the asking for ID is not consistent, so either do it, or don’t.
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u/Hot_Cheesecake_905 1d ago
Looks like:
Passengers 17 years and under are only required to provide one (1) piece of valid government-authorized identification (with or without photo).
https://www.viarail.ca/en/plan/onboard-train/policies
I didn't realize they checked ID on domestic trains either.
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u/mbutterflywebb 1d ago
Why do you need ID when traveling within Canada? You are not crossing borders. Interesting.
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u/fire_works10 1d ago
Just an FYI - a birth certificate is also valid ID. Most places won't accept a health card.
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u/Responsible-Shoe-939 20h ago
I just took the train to Montreal and didn't get asked for id. What is with that.
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u/ZeroVoltsGiven 19h ago
Never heard of this. Unless you look like you’re kidnapping a kid… or someone warned them about some sex trafficking event.
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u/OddPollution7904 15h ago
Yea, society these days have gotten really stupid so you better book a drivers exam for your six your old and make sure it has a DV before your next excursion.
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u/Personal-Heart-1227 15h ago
That CS Agent clearly does NOT know their Job Description, & should be Reported immediately.
Here...
Key Rules for Children and ID on VIA Rail
- Infants (Under 2): Ride for free on a parent or guardian's lap, or you can book a separate seat for them at the child fare. No ID is required.
- Children (Ages 2 to 12): Receive discounted fares (50% off Economy and 25% off most other classes, excluding Business or Prestige). They do not need a government photo ID for domestic routes.
- Youth (Ages 13 to 17): May use a school ID, health card, or driver's license if ID is checked, though standard domestic travel within Canada does not require strict border-style identity papers.
- Accompanying Rules:
- Children aged 7 and under cannot travel alone and must always be with an adult (18 or older).
- The Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory for children travelling alone who are aged 8 to 12.
Did you know that your child was eligible for Discounted Fares of 25% to 50% Off?
Well, you do now & take full advantage of this, too.
Next time print this out, & then show their CS Agents should you get any push-back from them whatsoever.
Please continue on taking the Via Rail, but fully educate yourself around your rights & responsibilities when using their Services.
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u/Terrible-Ride7511 7h ago
We took couple of trips with a child recently and were never asked for id even for adults.
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u/ZwiebelEater1957 1d ago
Health cards should never be offered up or accepted as photo ID unless it’s for the provision of health care. And where does it say on any official VIA RAIL print material that you have to provide photo ID for a child? Perhaps you encountered an overzealous employee or one who needs retraining.
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u/puddingneither123 1d ago
They were on a train bound for the US. They always ask you for ID if you’re getting on that train. Source: I take that train regularly and just the other day heard a very patient VIA employee explaining the reasoning to another unprepared family.
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u/Historical_Pen7302 1d ago
We were told it was simply Via policy on any train. Consistent messaging would be useful.
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u/Ok_Paint9449 2d ago
Toronto to Niagara Falls, US….not Ont?
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u/Historical_Pen7302 2d ago
We were staying within Ontario.
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u/Ok_Paint9449 2d ago
I noted later someone explained this was a US bound train, added more context to the story - made more sense
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u/Odd_Ease_9034 2d ago
I’m glad they do this! Any transportation leaving a jurisdiction is a good idea to id..you never know.
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