- CN has recently announced its intention to sell part of the Ocean's route between Moncton and Mont Joli. Selected bidders will have until the end of August to make their offers. The transaction should be completed by the end of the present year. It is hoped that the new short line operator will be willing to accomodate the VIA service. Several of VIA's trains are already operating on short lines: the Chaleur between matapedia and Gaspe, and the Hudson Bay between The Pas and Churchill.

- It is reported by our President, John Pearce, who made a return trip between Madapedia and Gaspe on the Chaleur during the second week of August, that summer traffic on this train has met expectations. Approximately 100 passengers in two coaches were noted, and of the three sleepers, two were filled with Tauck Tours customers. We quote from a VIA press release dated June 2, 1997. "VIA Rail announced yesterday that it has signed a five-year deal with two local private railways operating between Matapedia and Gaspe. The three party deal affords running rights to all VIA passenger trains over the former CN lines along the south coast of the Gaspe. ...The agreement with Baie-Des-Chaleurs Railway took effect immediately and covers the portion of the line between Matapedia and Chandler. The section of the agreement with the Gaspe Railway Company will take effect as soon as this locally-owned operator finalizes its purchase from CN of the rail line between Chandler and Gaspe. ...VIA has recently negotiated an agreement with ... Tauck Tours. To date, 2000 bookings have been confirmed."

- For several years, CN's intention to sell approximately seven miles of its route through Levis has placed in jeopardy the use of Levis station and the spectacular view of Quebec City, which is enjoyed by many passengers. However, VIA recently advised its agents that the Levis and Charny stations will remain open until further notice. It is rumoured that either a six-month delay of the closure of these stations will be announced, or the federal government may purchase the line, or portion thereof, through Levis.

- Changes are taking place at and near VIA's Halifax station. In the station, the baggage carousel has been moved to the end opposite the entrance. Tilden Car Rentals have established an office in the station. In the surrounding area, the Westin Nova Scotia was reopened last summer, and a Superstore is now under construction on the property adjacent to the station, and formerly owned by CN.

- Some interesting statistics can be gleaned from VIA's 1996 report. Government funding was reduced by $50 million. System-wide ridership increased by 1.9% and passenger miles by 3.9%. Overall cost recovery is now 47.3%. The most impressive gain was in the east, where the Ocean showed a ridership gain of 16.1%.

- By Christmas of this year, VIA's Canadian will be served by a new station in Edmonton. The new 5000 square foot, one-storey facility is to be located near the municipal airport, close to the downtown area, at the junction of the Yellowhead Highway and 121st Street. The existing back-up move for trains entering or leaving the station will be eliminated.

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page