MONTREAL, Dec. 22 /CNW Telbec/ – VIA Rail Canada is proud to show its support for athletes preparing to represent the country in Vancouver this February and March. From January 25th to March 28th up to two family members of Canadian athletes can travel in economy class to/from Vancouver for free. Those wishing to travel in sleeper touring class will receive a 75% discount off the adult regular fare. Included in the offer are parents, siblings, children, grandparents, spouse and/or partner. VIA is also offering a special fare for confirmed 2010 volunteers heading to Vancouver to welcome visitors from around the world. Read the full story

Amtrak has been working hard to lure more business travelers to its trains, with advertisements highlighting its advantages over air travel — roomier seats, power outlets on its Acela trains and fewer annoyances.

And its efforts have borne some fruit: the number of riders on its Northeast corridor trains has been rising. Read the full story

The Orlando, Fla., to New Orleans, La., segment of the Sunset Limited has been gone since hurricane Katrina damaged the rails of CSX Transportation, the train’s host, in 2005. But after four years of inaction, politicians and various community groups in three states have begun pressing for the train’s return. Read the full story

DENVER (AP) — A company that wanted to keep train service going between Denver and the Winter Park ski area said it is giving up for now.

Iowa Pacific Holdings LLC on Monday said it won’t be able to operate the ski train this season after failing to resolve differences with Amtrak. The company was negotiating to use Amtrak crews. Read the full story

VIA Rail Canada is happy to be contributing to the repatriation to Montreal of Fred the dog. Found November 30 in British Columbia, at the side of his deceased owner, Fred was much featured in the press during the month of December. VIA will provide the train ticket from Vancouver for Fred and two accompanying adults, residents of the Montréal region who have volunteered to take care of the dog during the four day journey starting January 1st. The dog will be united with the family of his deceased owner upon arrival in Montreal. Read the full story

This year, skip the Christmas sweater and give them a unique gift they’ll really remember – a stunning rail journey between Vancouver and Whistler.

Until January 5, 2010, BC and Washington Residents pay only $109 per adult round trip when booking four or more guests. Read the full story