(VIA Rail issued the following news release on May 14.)
MONTRÉAL — With the summer season around the corner, VIA Rail’s continuing investment in cars, services and stations is strengthening its partnership with Eastern Canada. As the tourist season approaches, VIA is working with tourism boards at home and tour operators abroad to promote Eastern Canada to the world as a premiere holiday destination.
VIA’s eastern service includes the Ocean, which runs between Montreal and Halifax, the Bras d’Or, a seasonal touring train running between Halifax and Sydney, as well as the Chaleur, connecting Montreal to the Gaspé.
Bras d’Or back by popular demand
Entering its fourth year, VIA’s seasonal service to Cape Breton Island attracts passengers from across Canada and around the globe. The 10-hour land cruise through the heart of Canada’s historic “highlands” includes on-board tour guides, live entertainment and fine local cuisine – this year enhanced with an Acadian accent.
The Bras d’Or, established in partnership with the tourism boards of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, has been attracting increased ridership every year – growing 14 per cent in 2002. This season’s inaugural run from Halifax is scheduled for 3 June 2003.
More station upgrades
Following a major restoration and upgrade to its heritage station in Halifax, VIA also completed a $1.5 million renovation to its downtown Moncton station. The Moncton station now integrates VIA’s Telephone Sales Office, responsible for all U.S., travel agency and Internet bookings.
Other renovation projects include:
Campbellton: the gateway to Atlantic Canada, Campbellton is the region’s fifth busiest station. It has been relocated and enhanced with modern passenger facilities and amenities.
Bathurst: now completely renovated, the region’s third busiest station offers improved services, greater comfort and more efficient operations.
Gaspé Peninsula: Major repairs and renovations have also been completed or are underway at the Bonaventure, New Carlisle and Percé stations.
Renaissance Cars
As part of the federal government’s five-year, $400 million capital investment to stabilize and modernize passenger rail in Canada, VIA has started phasing into service its new Renaissance cars, expanding the national fleet by one-third.
These cars were designed specifically for one-night, inter-regional travel; as such, they are a perfect fit for VIA’s “visiting friends and relatives” and tourism markets.
With a bold design that will enhance overnight service in Eastern Canada, the Renaissance fleet features sleeping cars, private bedrooms and en-suite amenities such as toilets and showers, as well as large windows. The cars incorporate some of the world’s most advanced technology for passenger comfort and safety.
Investing in Eastern Canada
In addition to the large-scale upgrading of equipment and stations, VIA Rail’s investment in Eastern Canada recently included a $2.4 million overhaul and refurbishment of five self-propelled Rail Diesel Cars, which provide passenger service on Vancouver Island and in northern Ontario. The project was completed by Industrial Rail Services, based in Moncton. Last year, VIA contributed more than $125 million to the Maritimes’ GDP and created more than 2,000 jobs through direct and indirect employment.
VIA Rail Canada is the national passenger rail service, connecting some 450 communities from coast to coast. Its operations contribute significantly to the tourism sector, generating significant tourism spending throughout Canada.