Travel Advisory - Reminder: VIA's Toronto operations relocated to avoid
congestion during G20

- Limited Access to Union Station already in place -

TORONTO, June 16 /CNW Telbec/ - VIA Rail Canada wishes to remind travellers that to avoid congestion in the downtown Toronto area, it will move its operations from Toronto Union Station to suburban stations during the core G20 summit dates, from June 24 through 27. Additionally, due to extremely low advance ticket sales, VIA will also be operating a weekend schedule around the core summit dates.

Effective immediately, vehicle access to Union Station from the Front St entrance has been restricted. Until June 27, vehicles arriving from the east from Lakeshore Boulevard West should proceed northbound on Bay Street to Front Street. Vehicles approaching from the west are encouraged to use the Bremner Boulevard Union Station entrance located adjacent to the Air Canada Centre.

VIA encourages customers with mobility access needs to contact VIA directly to arrange for a Special Service Request (wheelchair-accessible) and secure escorted wheelchair assistance from designated drop off points. To arrange for a Special Service Request, please contact VIA toll-free, at 1 888 VIA-RAIL (842-7245) at least 24-hours before train departure. VIA staff will then be dispatched to escort customers from the designated drop-off zones to train platforms.

Given the likelihood that there may be congestion at these limited access points, VIA recommends that passengers use public transit if possible to and from the station.

Customers holding bookings for travel during these dates may opt for a full refund or change of reservation for travel that commences no later than August 31, 2010, with no service charges, provided their original reservation has been cancelled or modified prior to the scheduled departure time of their train. Travellers who wish to take advantage of these options should visit viarail.ca for complete conditions and procedures.

For a complete list of train schedules or updates to information on suburban operations visit viarail.ca. Reservations and information are also available by calling VIA toll-free, at 1 888 VIA-RAIL (842-7245) or 1 800 268-9503 (TTY for the hearing impaired).

For further information: Catherine Kaloutsky, [phone]