Mr. Speaker, Via Rail’s ridership decreased 95% at the peak of the pandemic and demand is coming back.
Via Rail’s objective has always been the safe resumption of services when conditions allowed it, and the corporation is pleased to offer its passengers more options this summer with the return of most of its services across the country by the end of June 2022. This was announced on April 14, 2022, and is available at the following web address: https://media.viarail.ca/en/press-releases/2022/back-track-rail-increases-services-across-canada-time-summer.
Throughout the pandemic, Via Rail’s decision to add frequencies has been based on various factors, including demand and continuing to employ a balanced approach in order to fulfill Via Rail’s important public service mandate and manage financial impacts.
Via Rail is therefore constantly evaluating its services, and after two years of the pandemic, Via Rail is looking at the impact of the changes in travel habits on its operations, for example the new work-from-home reality.
While train 651 is not slated to return in June 2022, Via Rail continues to evaluate this route and several others. The corporation expects to complete an analysis of the impact of telecommuting and other business recovery considerations in the coming months.