(VIA Rail issued the following news release on March 25.)
MONTREAL — Because I’m older than you, that’s why! Renewed by popular demand, VIA Rail Canada’s Senior’s Companion Fares are helping passengers to better appreciate their elders. Now through February 28, 2005, Adults over age 60 traveling in Comfort Class® (Economy) are invited to bring along a companion of any age for free. Available on all VIA Rail trains offering Comfort Class, this great 2-for-1 deal comes in addition to the regular 10% discount that seniors ordinarily receive.
Also through February 28, 2005, seniors traveling in sleeper class receive a 75% discount for their companion with the purchase of a full-fare sleeper ticket on all applicable trains. From July 1 through August 31, 2004, seniors traveling in VIA 1 – VIA Rail’s premier business class available on its Corridor service between Windsor and Quebec City – will also receive a 75% discount for their companion.
Aboard VIA’s Skeena train between Jasper, Prince George and Prince Rupert, the same discounted rate applies May 15 — October 16 in both Totem Class and the new Totem Deluxe Class. And from June 2 — October 13, 2004, this offer is available for travel on VIA’s train, the Bras d’Or, on westbound journeys from Sydney to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Tickets purchased for Comfort Class and VIA 1 Class on the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor services must be purchased at least 10 days in advance, and are not available for travel on Fridays and Sundays unless used to connect to/from VIA’s Western or Atlantic Canada services.
For travel on VIA’s premium class services during certain peak season periods, Senior’s Companion Fares tickets must be purchased within 30 days of actual date of travel. For all VIA Rail services, this promotion is unavailable for travel between December 15, 2004 and January 5, 2005. Additional conditions pertaining to this offer can be found at http://www.viarail.ca/offers.
Seniors are also encouraged to subscribe to VIA Rail’s free virtual community senior e-newsletter, which keeps subscribers posted on special offers for adults over 60, including contests to win weekend getaways and discounted admission prices at attractions throughout Canada. To subscribe to VIA’s family e-newsletter, visit http://www.viarail.ca/seniors.
VIA Rail Canada is the national passenger rail service, connecting some 450 communities from coast to coast. Demand for VIA’s rapid intercity services in the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor has grown in recent years, as more Canadians turn to train travel as a hassle-free and cost-efficient alternative to congested roads and airports. For further information on Senior’s Companion Fares, as well as any of VIA Rail Canada’s 2004 promotions, products and services, please call Passengers can book their tickets by calling 1-888-VIA-RAIL (1-888-842-7245), at kiosks in major Corridor stations, at http://www.viarail.ca/en_index.html or through their travel agents.