VIA Rail Canada Enters into a New Partnership with Communauto

For Sustainable Transportation... and Savings!

MONTREAL, June 3 /CNW Telbec/ - VIA Rail Canada President and CEO Marc Laliberté and Communauto CEO Benoît Robert are proud to announce a new partnership today in an effort to improve access to train travel and car sharing. Thanks to this collaboration, car sharing subscribers will enjoy a 10% train ticket discount off the lowest fare when traveling in Canada. Also, VIA Rail Canada VIA Préférence members who subscribe to Communauto's Le Lièvre package will enjoy discounts of up to 20% on hourly rates when using Communauto vehicles.

"We are pleased to offer Communauto subscribers not only a discount on rates, but most importantly an ecological and safe alternative to automobile use on trips that last several hours," said Marc Laliberté, VIA President and CEO. "We also hope today's announcement will be the start of a sustainable collaboration with Communauto. Like we say at VIA, Welcome Aboard!"

As Communauto CEO Benoît Robert pointed out, the company defines itself as an ecological solution to car ownership. "This partnership is perfectly suited to our goals of promoting sustainable transportation," said Mr. Robert. "We have already developed offers for our users combining car sharing with public transportation, bicycles, car rental, taxi and now, VIA Rail. It represents a significant contribution that allows us to make more attractive the transportation offers alternative to car."

While the partnership is a first in Canada, Mr. Laliberté went on to say that VIA plans to expand the idea to other Canadian cities. "The inevitable green shift that is taking place in our communities must, among other initiatives, involve leaving cars behind when traveling long distances. With its small environmental footprint, train travel is the perfect choice."

With its $37 annual fee, the Le Lièvre package provides access to Communauto vehicles at the minimum hourly rate of $4.95, plus $0.12 per kilometre. This package is being offered to VIA Rail Canada VIA Préférence members at $3.95 per hour, for a total discount of $1 per hour.

This agreement and the benefits included take effect next monday, June 7th 2010.

About VIA Rail

Every week, VIA operates 503 intercity, transcontinental and regional trains linking 450 communities across its 12,500-kilometre network. The demand for VIA services is growing as travelers increasingly turn to train travel as a safe, convenient and environmentally responsible alternative to congested roads and airports.

About Communauto

Founded in 1994, Communauto provides its 21,000 subscribers with 1100 self-service vehicles throughout 315 stations located in Québec City, Lévis, Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Montréal, Longueuil, Saint-Lambert, Laval and Saint-Bruno.

For further information: VIA Rail Canada: Elizabeth Huart, Media Relations - Québec and Atlantic, Headquarters, [phone], [email protected]; Communauto Inc.: Marco Viviani, Development and Public Relations Director, [phone] Ext. 2119, [email protected]