MONTREAL – Last week, VIA Rail cancelled two departures of its Canadian train operating between Toronto and Vancouver in order to “make up the extend travel time caused by delays over the past few weeks”.

The first train, travelling westbound and scheduled to depart on May 24, was postponed a day later on May 25, arriving in Vancouver on May 28. The train that departed on may 26 was maintained.

The second train, travelling eastbound and scheduled to depart from Vancouver on May 29, was also cancelled. The following two trains thereafter, departing from Vancouver on May 25 and May 27, were maintained.

“We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience caused by the delays and the cancellation of these two departures. Over the last few months, we have taken several mitigation measures in order to limit the impact on the customer experience and on our employees’ work environment, said Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, President and CEO of VIA Rail. “We would like for our passengers to have a relaxing travel experience, that our on-train and in-station staff be given the rest time needed to accomplish their work with diligence and peace of mind, and that our maintenance crews are able to maintain our trains in the best possible condition.”

Sicilliano also extended his and the company’s gratitude to employees on trains, in stations and in call and maintenance centres for their constant efforts to limit disruption.

“At VIA Rail, nothing is more important than the safety and security of our passengers and employees. That is why we are currently working with our infrastructure partner on a new schedule, to start during the peak summer period, that will provide a longer but more predictable travel time,” he added.