VIA Rail Canada announced it has added an extra train set consisting of at least 21 cars that will be "ready to go" to ensure on-time departures from Vancouver, three times a week.

Until now, the Company operated the Canadian with three sets of train cars. "At VIA we are constantly looking for ways to better serve our customers," explained Joe Volk, VIA's Regional Director for Western Services. "This particular route is very well patronized, but recently there have been some late departures, which affected travellers on a schedule. This new additional set of train cars will be ready to go at all times, ensuring on-time departures from Vancouver."

In the late 1980s and early 90s, VIA undertook a major investment to fully refurbish its Western fleet and launched its first large-scale tourism initiative with Silver & Blue class. The premium service, designed to attract tourists from around the world to the region, was successful right from the outset and remains a very popular travel experience. It is recognized by National Geographic Traveler as one of the top five rail trips in the world to experience.

"That success helped to bring financial stability to VIA Rail's services in Western Canada, and we are proud of that. Today, the service is still a
resounding success," added Volk.

VIA has been testing the "extra train set" concept during the off peak season and is pleased with the results. In addition to providing dependable, on-time service, VIA is confident that this additional set of train cars will help to generate savings in overtime, maintenance and recovery costs. This coming summer, when tourist travel reaches its peak, all four sets of train cars will be in full service.

VIA's flagship western transcontinental train, the Canadian, operates three times per week in each direction between Vancouver and Toronto, year- round. It's a legendary and remarkable journey that includes on-board fine dining, accommodations and attention par excellence. No matter the time of
year, the images are unforgettable: mountain sheep grazing in the Rockies, elk loitering outside Jasper, the skyline of Toronto looming on the horizon. The one-way trip of close to 4,500 km spans five provinces and takes three days and nights. VIA Rail's western services provide a glimpse into the history of Canada while showcasing some of the most spectacular landscape in the country.