VIA Rail Announces Final Phase of Gradual Service Resumption Plan

VIA Rail has announced the final phase of its gradual service resumption plan, with new frequencies being added beginning in DEC 2021 and full operations across the country to return by the end of JUN 2022. According to the rail line, the return to full operation will occur progressively, starting in DEC 2021 with the return of the second frequency of the Ocean.

Further details on VIA Rail's resumption plan can be found below.

VIA Rail's Winnipeg-Churchill route will continue to operate its full three frequencies per week as it has since the beginning of the pandemic. According to the rail line, the company is currently finalizing details, including access to the infrastructure, and will communicate information such as specific resumption dates as soon as it becomes available.

"Our objective has always been the safe resumption of all our services across the country when conditions allowed it, and we are encouraged to be able to proceed to this final phase of our gradual service resumption plan," said Cynthia Garneau, President and Chief Executive Officer.

"We look forward to welcoming our passengers back on board our trains, and I would like to thank all our employees as we continue to weather this storm: their resilience and dedication are what keep us on track."

Frequencies to be Added Gradually

According to the company, VIA Rail's ridership dropped by more than 95% at the peak of the pandemic and it is still down from pre-pandemic levels. As it begins to see increased demand, VIA Rail will add frequencies while continuing to employ a balanced approach to its resumption, in order to fulfill its public service mandate and manage financial impacts.

According to the rail line, teams across the organization are evaluating VIA Rail's overall service offering in the context of the pandemic.

VIA Rail continues to deploy health protocols on board its trains, in its stations, and in staff locations to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

VIA Rail highlights that wearing a mask is required at all times in its stations and on board VIA Rail trains. For the health and safety of all passengers and employees, passengers who do not wear a mask during their trip will be required to disembark the train or will be refused entry upon boarding. Rail passengers are also required to be fully vaccinated as of 30OCT, in line with the government's recent mandate for travel.

For more information on VIA Rail, visit its web site.