In a press release, VIA Rail said the following:

“Given the impact on travel demand of tighter COVID-19 restrictions due to the rapid spreading of the Omicron Variant, VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) will temporarily reduce frequencies in the Québec City-Windsor corridor starting Wednesday, January 19, 2022.

“’These decisions, while difficult, are consistent with the balanced approach we have maintained throughout the pandemic in order to fulfill our important public service mandate while proactively managing the financial impacts on our operations,’” said Cynthia Garneau, President and CEO of VIA Rail. “’Every change we have made to our services has been, and continues to be, closely linked to the evolving health crisis and following market demand.’”

“This temporary service reduction in the Corridor has been carefully planned in order to continue to provide essential intercity service on all routes. As we continue to closely monitor the evolution of the pandemic, VIA Rail is ensuring that we can offer our customers options for essential travel in all regions of the country. There will be no reduction in frequencies for the moment on any other routes, but some on-board services have been modified.”

“VIA Rail Business class will be temporarily suspended, and Business lounges are closed until further notice. For a full list of changes to our services please visit VIA Rail’s website.”

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have implemented various measures throughout the passenger journey, so that our customers can travel safely and with confidence. VIA Rail remains focused on implementing the final phase of our gradual service resumption plan for the spring of this year, and we are hopeful that the situation will have improved in time for us to deploy it as planned.”  

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