Major Delays for VIA Rail Trains Following Freight Derailement

MONTREAL, July 22, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) wishes to inform its passengers that a freight train derailment which occurred earlier this evening is blocking the main line in Smith Falls. Due to the location, this derailment has an impact on all VIA Rail Canada trains currently operating or scheduled to operate between Brockville and Ottawa this evening and major delays are to be expected.

Unfortunaltely, no alternative modes of transportation are available at this time due to the beginning of the construction holidays that started today. VIA Rail Canada is doing its upmost to accommodate passengers by rerouting trains #39, #44, #46, #48, #59, #646 and #647 to the main south line. This is a complex operation that will take time and on-board personnel will ensure all passengers are comfortable.

Full refund will be exceptionally granted to all customers for trains which were affected by this derailment with delays over 60 minutes. Starting Monday July 25, 2016, VIA Rail will proceed with an automatic refund.

Regular service will resume on Saturday, July 23, 2016.

We regret the inconvenience that this situation may cause and appreciate our passengers' understanding during this operationally challenging incident. Affected customers may call 1 888 VIA-RAIL (1 888 842-7245) or 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired) for a full refund.

About VIA Rail Canada
As Canada's national rail passenger service, VIA Rail (viarail.ca) and its 2,600 employees are mandated to provide safe, efficient and economical passenger transportation service, in both official languages of our country. VIA Rail operates intercity, regional and transcontinental trains linking over 400 communities across Canada, and safely transports nearly four million passengers annually. The Corporation was awarded seven Safety Awards by the Railway Association of Canada over the last eight years. For more information, visit: www.viarail.ca/en/about-via-rail.

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SOURCE VIA Rail Canada Inc.