VIA operations update: all trains operating despite winter storm conditions across the country

Wednesday, 31 December 2008

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MONTREAL – With a winter storm hitting the Atlantic region and forecasts of heavy snowfall expected over the next few days wreaking havoc on the highways and impacting other modes of transportation, VIA Rail Canada advises that all trains in Atlantic Canada and within its Windsor – Québec City corridor are operating as normal. 

As the storm makes its presence felt, VIA expects demand for seats to continue. While some trains are nearing capacity, good availability still remains for a number of other departures. VIA operates some 60 trains per day throughout the Windsor-Québec City Corridor and additionally is operating its Ocean service between Montréal and Halifax on Tuesday, December 23, which is normally a non-operational day.

Passengers are therefore advised to book as early as possible and to verify departure and arrival times.
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The heavy snow and storm conditions are causing some delays and efforts are in place to clear heavy snow accumulation from the tracks and switches as quickly as possible.  As a result some VIA trains are experiencing delays of between 30 to 60 minutes.

Information and reservations are available at viarail.ca, at 888 VIA-RAIL (888 842-7245), TTY 800-268-9503 (hearing impaired), or through your travel agent.

Customers can also use VIA ticket kiosks to avoid lengthy line-ups or driving and parking stresses associated with inclement weather.

VIA sincerely regrets any inconvenience these delays may cause to its passengers.