RailNews

VIA to Resume Weekly Service Between Vancouver and Winnipeg

By Railfan & Railroad Staff

VANCOUVER — VIA Rail Canada will resume some service on the western portion of the Canadian route between Vancouver and Winnipeg beginning December 11. The news comes just weeks after the passenger railroad announced that it was again extending the suspension of most of its transcontinental passenger services because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The railroad announced that following a review of its safety procedures — including taking a look at on-board air ventilation and social distancing measures — it would make one round trip a week on the west end of the route.

“The health and safety of passengers and our employees remain our top priority. We are offering our customers in Western Canada an additional choice in regions where intercity transportation is more limited as a result of this pandemic,” said President and CEO Cynthia Garneau.

Railroad officials added that “VIA Rail remains committed to a full recovery of its long-distance service for Western Canada, the Canadian, providing service between Toronto-Vancouver, and will continue to work closely with public health authorities as well as the federal and provincial governments to ensure this occurs as quickly as possible.”

This article was posted on: October 20, 2020