(VIA Rail issued the following press release on April 8.)
MONTRÉAL — Beginning May 1, 2003, VIA Rail Canada will offer an on board smoke-free environment to all passengers travelling on the Ocean(Montreal-Halifax) and the Chaleur (Montreal-Gaspé).
This decision was taken after careful consideration of our customer’s comments, expectations and general market trends. Smoking will still be permitted duringstation stops at Charny, New Carlisle (on the Chaleur), Campbellton and Moncton (on the Ocean).
With a decade of outstanding performance, VIA has embarked on a true renaissance of passenger rail across Canada. VIA’s $402 million capital investmentprogram provides much-needed modern equipment, better tracks and infrastructure, better station facilities, improved safety and environmental practices. Lastyear, VIA has contributed an estimated $126 million to the Maritimes’ GDP and created more than 2,000 jobs through direct and indirect employment. VIA’soperations contribute significantly to the tourism sector, generating tourism spending throughout the region.