New records were set by VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) over the Thanksgiving weekend.
From October 4 to 9, 100,200 passengers travelled by train – a 3.1% increase over the same period in 2017. This spectacular number was reflected in revenues which rose 8.8% over 2017. In the Québec City-Windsor Corridor only, 96,400 people travelled, a 4.2% increase over 2017. As well, with 21,600 people travelling onboard VIA Rail trains on Friday, October 5, a new record for revenue generated over a single day* was set with sales totalling $1.9 million. Passengers covered a total distance of over 35 million kilometers on the 373 trains that crossed the country.
“I am very pleased to announce these excellent results. Reaching the 100,000-passenger mark on a long weekend for the first time in 10 years shows once again that more and more Canadians choose the train over their cars as a greener and safer way to travel to enjoy this holiday with their friends and family,” said Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, President and Chief Executive Officer of VIA Rail. Furthermore, all the long weekends this year have shown a significative increase in the number of passengers over last year. Their choice contributes to reduce traffic, congestion and ultimately, the carbon footprint of their travel. Again, we must thank our dedicated and talented employees who provide exceptional service. With their support, Canadians are finding their way back to loving the way to travel.”
From Thursday, October 4, to Tuesday, October 9, 2018
VIA Rail Cross-Canada Services
• 100,200 passengers | 3.1% increase compared to 2017
• More than 35 million kilometers travelled | 2.1% increase compared to 2017
• Nearly 9 million $ in passenger revenue | 8.8% increase compared to 2017
• Busiest day: Friday, October 5
Québec City – Windsor Corridor
• 96,400 passengers | 4.2% increase compared to 2017
About VIA Rail Canada
As Canada’s national rail passenger service, VIA Rail (viarail.ca) and all its 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 about 180 more communities through intermodal partnerships, and safely transports nearly 4.4 million passengers annually. The Corporation has been awarded five Safety Awards and three Environment Awards by the Railway Association of Canada since 2007
*Statistics compiled since 2009
