OTTAWA — Faster trains, more frequency and punctuality are among the priorities of the new boss at Canada’s national passenger rail service.
After a difficult year in 2009, with declining revenues because of the global economic slowdown, Via Rail’s newly minted president says he expects to see ridership levels grow as new investments make train trips more attractive than travelling by road or air. Read the full story
Meredith Richards always thought Central Virginia harbored pent-up rail demand. But the former Charlottesville City Councilor admits to a pleasant surprise when Amtrak revealed figures showing that the new daily passenger train service she spearheaded has topped its annual ridership goal— with half a year left to go. Read the full story
Rocky Mountaineer is changing its schedule starting in April, bringing a steadier flow of tourists through Kamloops.
James Terry, the rail tour company’s executive vice-president and chief operations officer, will discuss the change this evening in a presentation to the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association’s AGM. The meeting takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Plaza Heritage Hotel, 405 Victoria St. Read the full story
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
Book now to ride the rails with Rocky Mountaineer (1-800-665-7245, www.rockymountaineer.com) in 2010 and take advantage of an Early Booking Bonus. It gives you travel credits for everything from extra hotel nights, car rentals and city tours to airfare or a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer Whistler Sea to Sky Climb (between Vancouver and Whistler). Read the full story
VANCOUVER — A second daily Amtrak Cascades train will start running between Vancouver and Seattle on Aug. 19.
The Canadian government approved the second service as a pilot project that will run until after the 2010 Winter Olympics.
The Washington State Department of Transportation worked with Amtrak, BNSF Railway, U.S. Customs, and other stakeholders to get the service operating.
The new service will allow travelers from Oregon to have direct round-trip service between Portland and Vancouver.
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By Kelly Sinoski, Vancouver Sun, >>> continue reading
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