The Canadian: going strong

TORONTO, Oct. 27, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian, our iconic train running between Toronto and Vancouver, continues to be a journey of choice for tourists and Canadians alike. Almost 63,000 passengers travelled on the long-distance train over the peak season (May to mid-October), and the route saw a 14% increase in revenues compared to the same months last year.

"The addition of refurbished cars and the launch of our new Prestige Sleeper class have made the Canadian a more appealing option for travellers," stated John Ring, General Manager – Western Canada.

"The busiest season of the year is now over, and we're pleased to see that our service improvements have been appreciated by travellers. Now more than ever, we're offering a memorable experience in a unique and enjoyable setting. We've been hearing great feedback from our clients, who are impressed by the exceptional quality of service they receive from our onboard personnel," said Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, President and Chief Executive Officer of VIA Rail. "However, the punctuality of this legendary train continues to deteriorate significantly, and this remains a barrier to getting more people onboard. Also, it negatively impacts the VIA Rail brand in the eyes of Canadians and foreign visitors. Therefore, we continue to demand more from our rail partners who control the tracks as we begin to review on our 2017 service offering," added Mr. Desjardins-Siciliano.

Passing through over 60 communities across five provinces, the Canadian is a unique way to discover Canada. Major urban centres and picturesque towns that exude both history and modernity, along with breathtaking scenery: the train is the only way to appreciate the geographic and cultural diversity across our great country.

The Canadian
The transcontinental railway helped bolster Canadian Confederation in 1867. The Canadian – a symbol of this chapter of our history – is depicted on 10-dollar bills issued by the Bank of Canada. This legendary train covers the 4,466 kilometers between Vancouver and Toronto three times weekly, from May to mid-October, and twice weekly, from mid-October to May, in either direction. Its Skyline car, featuring a scenic glass dome, offers an exceptional view of the diverse scenery all along the route. Travellers enjoy matchless service in the dining car, where regional culinary specialties prepared by renowned chefs are served. And a number of activities – including musical and art performances – are presented to those on board. There's something for everyone, whatever your taste!

Reserve your trip now: Go to www.viarail.ca or call 1 888 VIA RAIL (1 888 842-7245) or 1 800 268 9503 (TTY for the hearing-impaired).

About VIA Rail
As Canada's national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada (viarail.ca) and its 2,500 employees are mandated to provide safe, efficient and economical passenger transportation service, in both official languages of our country. VIA Rail operates intercity, regional and transcontinental trains linking over 400 communities across Canada, and safely transports nearly four million passengers annually. The Corporation was presented seven Safety Awards by the Railway Association of Canada over the past eight years, and was the recipient of the 2012 Agent's Choice Award voted by Canadian travel agents and presented by Baxter Travel Media. Since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested almost a billion dollars in VIA Rail. About VIA Rail: www.viarail.ca/en/about-via-rail.

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SOURCE VIA Rail Canada Inc.

For further information: Maxime Dupont-Demers, Senior Advisor, Corporate Communications, VIA Rail Canada, 514 871-6137, 1 877 393-8787, [email protected], [email protected]