VIA Rail's Ocean adds Meal-Inclusive feature to Sleeper Touring Class this Holiday Season

Available from December 19, 2009 to January 3, 2010

MONTREAL, Nov. 12 /CNW Telbec/ - This year passengers can treat themselves to a holiday travel upgrade when travelling on VIA's Ocean between Montreal and Halifax. From December 19, 2009 to January 3, 2010, all on board meals - three in total between Montreal and Halifax - will be included in the Sleeper Touring Class ticket price. Sleeper Touring Class passengers can also take advantage of pre-boarding privileges and exclusive access to the train's Park Car with its panoramic observation dome.

Heavy snowstorms are a fact of life in Atlantic Canada. "When you leave the driving to VIA, you can leave behind the stress and unpredictability of winter driving and truly enjoy the holiday season," said Lynn Pellerin, Product Manager, Longhaul Services. "And the train's Park Car with its 360degrees panoramic viewing dome is the perfect spot to admire the winter wonderland outside while you sit back, relax and enjoy the on-board amenities and dining experience. In fact, this rail trip might just be the most relaxing part of the holidays!"

Operating six days a week, VIA's Ocean takes passengers on an overnight journey between Montreal and Halifax, connecting the Maritimes to the Quebec City-Windsor corridor. For more information on VIA's holiday Sleeper Touring Class aboard the Ocean or to book a trip anywhere in the VIA system, customers can visit viarail.ca or call 1 888 VIA RAIL (842-7245), TTY 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired).

About VIA Rail Canada

As Canada's national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada's mandate is to provide efficient, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective passenger transportation, both in Canada's busiest corridor and in remote and rural regions of the country. Every week, VIA operates 503 intercity, transcontinental and regional trains linking 450 communities across its 12,500-kilometre route network. The demand for VIA services is growing as travellers increasingly turn to train travel as a safe, hassle-free and environmentally responsible alternative to congested roads and airports.

For further information: Media Contacts: Catherine Kaloutsky, VIA Rail Canada, [phone], [e-mail]; Ashley Doyle, VIA Rail Canada, [phone], [e-mail]