VIA Rail's Montréal-Gaspé train forced to end its route in Matapédia due to
heavy rainfall in the Gaspé region

- Motor coach service between Matapédia and Gaspé

MONTREAL, Dec. 15 /CNW Telbec/ - As a preventive measure due to the heavy rainfall, VIA Rail Canada wishes to advise passengers that train 16 departing Montréal for Gaspé tonight, Wednesday, December 15, will end its trip in Matapédia. According to an inspection report issued earlier today, parts of the track have been submerged and the level of water underneath several bridges remains high.

VIA will provide motor coach transportation between Matapédia and Gaspé. The motor coach will make stops in every station according to the train's normal schedule whenever possible

VIA will also provide motor coach transportation between Gaspé and Matapédia for train 17 departing Gaspé for Montréal on Thursday, December 16, 2010. The motor coach will make stops in every station according to the train's normal schedule whenever possible. Once in Matapédia, passengers will be able to continue their trip by train.

An update will be published as soon as the situation returns to normal.

The Montréal-Gaspé train leaves Montréal en route to Gaspé every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evening, and leaves Gaspé en route to Montréal every Monday, Thursday and Saturday afternoon.

VIA apologizes to its customers for any inconvenience resulting from this situation, which remains out of VIA's control.

For more information on train schedules or to reserve a trip, customers can visit VIA's secure web site at viarail.ca. Passengers can also reserve their tickets by dialling 1 888 VIA-RAIL (1 888 842-7245) or 1 800 268-9503 (TTY for the hearing impaired).

For further information:

Media Contact:
Malcolm Andrews  
VIA Rail Canada   
514 871-6604
Cell.: 514 946-4160
[email protected]