July 6, 2016

MORE TRAVELLERS CELEBRATE CANADA DAY ON BOARD VIA RAIL

HIGHLIGHTS

From June 30 to July 4, 2016:

Coast-to-coast VIA Rail Network

61,269 passengers

Québec City – Windsor corridor

55,790 passengers

Long-Haul Eastern (the Ocean)

1,708 passengers

Long-Haul Western (the Canadian)

2,208 passengers

Regional Services

1,563 passengers

Montréal, July 6, 2016 – More than 61,000 Canadians boarded a VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) train over the Canada Day weekend from June 30 to July 4. With an increase of 9.2% compared to the same period last year, this performance reflects the popularity of VIA Rail’s services. To prepare for the summer, the company increased the capacity of its trains and revised its schedules in the Québec City – Windsor Corridor in order to offer greater flexibility to its clients. Every effort was made to continue to provide an exceptional customer experience on board its train from coast to coast.


The Sleeper plus Class was completely redesigned on the Ocean, the Canadian, and the Winnipeg – Churchill route, and meals are now included in the ticket price.

For the start of peak season in May, certain improvements were made to the Prestige class on board the Canadian. Passengers can now enjoy, among other improvements, an enhanced meal service, an exclusive section of the Business Lounge in Toronto station, and priority Prestige contact line.

Among the enhancements in the Québec City – Windsor Corridor, new special menus are available to accommodate the dietary needs of more customers. Furthermore, VIA Rail continues to prioritize Canadian products on its trains, as is the case with teas from Sloane Tea, which are blended and packaged here in Canada. 

“Canadians recognize that the train represents a greener and smarter way to travel. We are delighted that many customers have once again been enjoying the comfort and simplicity of being transported from one city to another without worrying about traffic jams, all while reducing their CO2 emissions,” said Martin R. Landry, Chief Commercial Officer.

About VIA Rail Canada
As Canada's national rail passenger service, VIA Rail (viarail.ca) and its 2,600 employees are mandated to provide safe, efficient and economical passenger transportation service, in both official languages of our country. VIA Rail operates intercity, regional and transcontinental trains linking over 400 communities across Canada and about 180 more communities through intermodal partnerships, and safely transports nearly four million passengers annually. The Corporation was awarded seven Safety Awards by the Railway Association of Canada over the last eight years. For more information, visit: www.viarail.ca/en/about-via-rail.