UPDATE - CN track blockage near Belleville, ON continues to affect VIA passenger train operations

MONTREAL - VIA Rail Canada was informed earlier this morning by Canadian National that its Kingston Subdivision is now closed to all train operations, due to a track blockage by a First Nations group in the Tyendinaga area, near Belleville, Ontario. Hence, today’s passenger trains operating between Toronto and Ottawa as well as between Toronto and Montreal, in both directions, will continue to be replaced by chartered buses until further notice.

These alternative arrangements are in place for passengers with existing reservations. VIA is not accepting new bookings for travel today on the affected routes at this time.

Local service between Montreal and Ottawa, in both directions, is not affected.

Buses will make all regularly scheduled stops at enroute VIA stations. VIA will attempt to respect its scheduled departure and arrival times, but delays of approximately one hour are nonetheless expected.

VIA is waiving any applicable service charges for cancellations or changes made as a result of this situation. Customers wishing further information can call 1-888-VIA-RAIL.

No decision has been taken at this time with respect to passenger train operations this weekend. A further update will be issued once more information is available.