Former President of the Republic invested over 200 millions in dollars rebuilding G&Q. The business plan and train schedules did not benefit individual travelers wanting to travel on normal trains from Quito to Guayaquil. The dozen or so train options never connected to another train. Forcing tourist to choose three or four train rides to see the sights. It heavily favor the expensive Cruise Train from Quito or Guayaquil with overnight stays in hotels. Lots of sightseeing excursions off rails and very expensive tour package to ride whole route.
The railroad was greatly rebuilt and made more reliable. However like you posted maybe the revenue has not provided for longer lifetime of service.
Dale Brown