(VIA Rail issued the following news release on August 29.)
HALIFAX — Following the great success and popularity of this event in 2005, VIA Rail Canada is pleased to announce that the November 9, 2006, departure of its Ocean train from Halifax will be designated as the “Troop Train.” VIA Rail Canada encourages war veterans and their families to travel by train from Halifax to Ottawa in time to attend Remembrance Day ceremonies in our nation’s capital.
“Last year’s train was such a rich and moving experience for everyone – the veterans and their families, the communities we travelled through, and the employees,” says Ron Jackson, VIA station agent in Halifax and the brains behind this special train. “It was a truly unforgettable journey. By offering this special departure again this year, we hope that even more of Canada’s veterans will be able to experience it.”
The Troop Train will leave Halifax on November 9 at 12:35 pm and arrive in Ottawa on November 10 at 11:39 am. Once, again, musical entertainment from the World War II era will be offered on board, including a barbershop quartet and piano player. Travellers are encouraged to take advantage of VIA’s off-peak fares. For more information, or to reserve a ticket, go to viarail.ca or call toll-free 1 888 VIA-Rail (1888 842-7245) or 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired).
Travellers in need of accommodations in Ottawa are encouraged to inquire about special rates at the Delta Hotel, conveniently located a few blocks from Parliament Hill. For more information call 1-800-268-1133 and mention the VIA Rail Troop Train, booking code: GGVIAR.
As Canada’s national passenger rail service, VIA Rail Canada’s mandate is to provide efficient, environmentally responsible and cost effective passenger transportation services, both in Canada’s business corridor and in remote and rural regions of the country. Serving more than 450 communities with a network of inter-city, transcontinental and regional trains, demand for rail services continues to grow as more Canadians turn to train travel as a safe and convenient travel choice.