VIA Rail Canada offers significant spring savings including half-offs and 2-for-1 deals

Travellers enjoy discounts system-wide, including VIA 1 and sleeper classes
MONTREAL - Whether experiencing rustic romance of the Maritimes, the bustle of major cities along Canada’s Ontario-Quebec corridor or the melting snow and rushing waters of the Canadian Rockies, VIA Rail Canada offers steep savings throughout the country and across all levels of service this spring. Free tickets for those travelling with adults over 60 years of age, 50% savings for travel aboard select Eastern services, and deals in VIA 1 Corridor Comfort (economy) class make it easy for travellers to save their extra cash for a rainy April day.

Here’s a glimpse of some of VIA’s spring travel deals. To take advantage of these savings or learn more about these promotions call 1-888-VIA-RAIL (842-7245).

VIA 1 Class at a Fraction of the Price
Customers travelling in VIA 1 class can now enjoy deep discounts along VIA Rail’s Windsor to Québec City corridor. With fares starting as low as CAD $79, travellers can book a ticket that includes complimentary beverage and meal service and access to relaxing Panorama Lounges located in many Corridor stations. Sample fares include travel from Montréal to Toronto for CAD $149; this represents a discount of over 30% on VIA1 fares between these two destinations. Pay-for-demand wireless internet service is now available on board all Corridor trains in both VIA1 and Comfort class seating.

Cash in on Comfort Class deals in the Corridor
Travellers can also benefit from a special one day advance purchase fare of $59 CAD (USD $50.37) valid between Toronto and either Montréal or Ottawa until the end of May, as well as our existing five-day advance fares within the Windsor-Québec City corridor. For full details on fares and savings call 1-888-VIA Rail (842-7245).

Up to 50% off all Spring long on the Ocean and Chaleur There is still time to book until March 31, 2007 and receive up to a whopping 50% discount aboard VIA Rail’s Ocean train between Montréal and Halifax, and VIA’s Chaleur train between Montréal and Quebec’s Gaspé region. The discount is available for travel through June 12, 2007, and applies to both Comfort Class and Comfort Sleeper Class, which features cozy bedrooms with duvet bedding, towels and a shower kit, bottled water, and turn-down chocolates. Both trains feature tastefully decorated dining cars serving locally-inspired cuisine and a selection of fine wines and spirits.

It’s not too early to begin planning for a summer vacation that includes VIA’s “Maritime Learning Experience” Easterly Class service, offered on board the Ocean from June 13 until October 14, 2007.

Seniors - Bring a friend for FREE!
Year-round, VIA’s Senior Companion Fares allows passengers age 60 and over who purchase a ticket at the regular senior’s fare to bring along a companion - of any age - for free when traveling in Comfort Class or at 75% off the peak summer fare in most other classes. In July and August, for VIA1 Class aboard the Ontario-Quebec corridor, your travel companion receives a 75% discount off the regular adult fare. Tickets must be purchased at least five days prior to departure and are subject to limited availability.

VIA’s Got Your Ticket to Ride
Passengers can also take advantage of year-round savings when purchasing any of VIA’s travel passes. CANRAILPASS provides 12 days of unlimited travel in Canada on VIA Rail service during a 30-day period. CORRIDORPASS allows for 10 days of travel in the Ontario-Québec Windsor corridor (subject to certain conditions). Fares are available for Economy and VIA 1 class, subject to restrictions. The NORTH AMERICAN RAILPASS provides 30 days of unlimited travel on all VIA services throughout Canada and Amtrak services throughout the USA. Fares are subject to seasonality and restrictions.

Starting soon - the “Fare Free” days of summer
Once school is out the discounts are in for children riding VIA Rail this summer. From June 1-September 15, 2007, VIA Rail’s “Kids Travel Free” program allows adults (18+) purchasing a ticket on most adult, senior, or student fare plans in Comfort Class to bring a child ages 2-11 along for free. This promotion is available on all VIA trains and, since VIA is Canada’s national rail network, opens up virtually all of Canada to discounted summertime exploration.

About VIA Rail Canada
As Canada’s national passenger rail service, VIA Rail Canada’s mandate is to provide efficient, environmentally responsible and cost effective passenger transportation services, both in Canada’s busiest corridor and in remote and rural regions of the country. VIA serves more than 450 communities with a network of inter-city, transcontinental and regional trains. Demand continues to grow as more Canadians turn to train travel as a safe and convenient travel choice.

* All VIA Rail Canada rates quoted are per person, not including applicable taxes. Fares (and fare conditions) are subject to change without notice. Some fare plans require advance purchase and are subject to limited-availability. Other conditions may apply. The Canadian Dollar to United States Dollar conversion rate used in this document was effective as of March 19, 2007. Conversion rates are subject to currency fluctuation.