Starting Friday, December 11, 2020, VIA Rail will restore one weekly round-trip train along the western portion of the Canadian route between Vancouver and Winnipeg. Service along the eastern portion of the route between Winnipeg and Toronto is planned to resume at a later date.
The restored service will depart Vancouver on Friday’s and Winnipeg on Monday’s on the current Canadian schedule. The restored service will feature Sleeper Plus and Economy Class accommodation options along with a reservation system for Dining Car service.
“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 Cynthia Garneau, President, and CEO.
After a very thorough evaluation of its health and safety protocols, including physical distancing measures, enhanced air ventilation systems, and improved measures for passenger access and the protection of its employees, VIA Rail opted to restore the service.
VIA Rail deploys a strict protocol of sanitary measures onboard its trains, in its stations, maintenance centers, and call centers to deal with the pandemic and minimize the spread of COVID-19. 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.
VIA Rail continues to require all passengers to wear masks/facial coverings and encourages travelers to review its COVID-19 statement prior to traveling. For complete details, including schedules and fares, visit VIA Rail Canada.
Image: Damien DUFOUR Photographie on Unsplash
