February 1, 2011

VIA Rail ready to handle increase in demand - No Cancellations Forecasted

TORONTO – With a major storm expected to hit Ontario and parts of Quebec later today bringing heavy snowfall over the next 24 hours and causing havoc with travel plans VIA Rail Canada expects demand for seats to quickly increase for its trains in the Ontario – Québec corridor.

VIA also encourages customers to allow plenty of time prior to their train departure, as ticket line-ups are expected to be longer than normal.

While heavy snowfall and winter conditions may cause flight cancellations and road closures, VIA does not anticipate cancellations to any of its trains. Some trains may experience slight delays as crews work to remove snow on tracks and around switches.

VIA operates some 60 trains per day throughout the Ontario –Québec Corridor and will add cars where possible to meet the increased demand. Passengers are therefore advised to book as early as possible to ensure space is available.

For more information on train schedules or to book a trip anywhere in the VIA system, customers can visit VIA’s secure Web site at viarail.ca. Passengers also can book their tickets by calling 1 888 VIA-RAIL (1 888 842-7245), TTY 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired).

Ticket kiosks are located in the following Corridor locations: Québec, Sainte-Foy, Montréal, Dorval, Ottawa, Fallowfield, Kingston, Belleville, Cobourg, Oshawa, Toronto, Oakville, Aldershot, Brantford, Guelph, Kitchener, London and Windsor.

VIA offers a stress-free, safe and comfortable winter travel alternative. For a complete listing of train departures, station and on-board services as well as fare plans, visit viarail.ca.


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