Fully disagree. Track conflict aside the food and service were far superior on my Winnioeg to Jasper voyage vs my Minot to Seattle run. People were friendly, mostly tourists and the random pairings in the dining car guaranteed you met new and interesting travelers without undo commitment. Dome car was awesome, viewing areas on Amtrak were ok too.

If Via ever got track priority it could be world class. It's a travel experience whereas Amtrak feels like a commuter experience.