I work remote, live in Belleville, and visit our Toronto offices every couple of months. My experience with VIA Rail has been positive though I appreciate that I have a lot of flexibility. I can work while on the train so the commute isn't wasted time for me. Working while commuting is not something I could do if I drove or took a bus. The train can be late so I wouldn't organize an in-person-meeting within an hour of the scheduled arrival.

I agree that the ticketing system should be improved to encourage commuting, it would be a headache to buy tickets individually weeks in advance if I were using the service more frequently.