Via Rail Canada announced that many Canadians will be taking the train to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017. As the reservations increases, Via Rail announces capacity increases, direct connections between Ottawa and Québec City, as well as new stops.
“Our efforts are focused on offering a service that meets the needs expressed by our customers, so that more people choose to take the train. Over the next few months, VIA Rail expects to see a 5% overall increase in the number of available seats per mile compared to the summer of 2016. For Canada’s 150th anniversary, we invite all those wishing to participate in the festivities to get on board our trains- it’s the best way to see Canada,” said Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, President and Chief Executive Officer of VIA Rail.
Starting May 29, the number of direct connections on the popular Québec City – Montréal – Ottawa route will increase once again this year. A new Sunday afternoon departure in both directions will be added to the schedule, offering another option for those wishing to return home at the end of the weekend. A daily direct connection to Québec City will also be added to the schedule.
VIA Rail has listened to its passengers and added two more stops at Saint-Hyacinthe station during peak hours starting May 29. Passengers will now have a choice of three trains heading to Montréal and then on to Ottawa: 07:58*am, 11:09am and 8:20pm. Trains bound for Québec City will leave the station at 7:00am, 9:43am (on weekends), 1:33pm, 5:29*pm and 7:16pm.
These improvements are complemented by a style change for front-line employees, who began wearing brand-new accessories a few days ago. VIA Rail developed a new style for its accessories, in line with its updated, dynamic brand image, that features bright colors to make employees more visible to passengers needing assistance.
