On a train I can read a book, eat some food, drink, stare at the scenery, check my phone, no problem because I'm not driving. On most trains a professional is driving, on a few a machine is driving, but either way it's not my problem.

Pretty, yes, but geopolitical issues slow the service. We were at least two hours late thanks to various issues with crossing the border and fitting in with the cargo trains.

I believe you when you explain your experiences. All I can offer is anecdotal experience of having never encountered that myself.

If it's luck then I'm thankful if nothing else.

The conductor bent our ears for a while as we waited. He said it was common.

It's slow on the Canadian side, especially around the swing bridge. The US side is actually fairly fast, and the border crossing is quick.

Definitely my preferred way to do Vancouver-Seattle travel.