VIA Rail Announces the Mayors' Green Express

    
    Mayors get on-board a green choice
    

TORONTO , Nov. 3 /CNW Telbec/ - In association with the Ontario Parks Association, Communities in Bloom and Landscape Ontario, VIA Rail Canada is proud to host the Mayors' Green Express on Monday, January 11, 2010 . Two trains - one originating in Ottawa and one originating in Windsor - will transport area mayors and other elected officials to Toronto for a green conference which is intended to celebrate, educate and advocate for Ontario's parks and green spaces.

"We are delighted to be partnering with VIA Rail in bringing together municipal leaders from across the Province to our Green Forum," said Denis Flanagan , Chair, Communities in Bloom Ontario and Public Relations Director for Landscape Ontario. "We know that the networking and sharing of ideas on the enhancement and protection of green spaces results in a positive impact and benefits communities in their social, economic and environmental goals for future generations."

The mayors' journey by train will set the tone for the Green Eggs, Green Communities and Green Parks Congress.

" Toronto is recognized throughout the world as a leading city when it comes to fighting climate change and taking steps to reduce green house gas emissions," said Toronto Mayor David Miller . "I'm pleased that VIA Rail Canada is providing my colleagues from across the province with an opportunity to get to Toronto on environmentally friendly mass transit. It not only sets the right tone for the Congress, it's a fun way to travel."

Widely recognized as one of the most responsible modes of public transportation in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, VIA is committed to continuously improving its environmental performance. Since 1990, VIA has cut fuel consumption by 25% per passenger-kilometre, and GHG emissions by 15%. VIA has also begun a series of modifications and improvements to its equipment and operations in order to further reduce its ecological footprint.

"For several years now, VIA has worked closely with Communities in Bloom to showcase their efforts particularly throughout the spring and summer seasons. We are proud to be working with them once again to welcome mayors and elected officials from across Ontario on board the train," said Pierre Santoni , VIA's Senior Director of National Sales. "Our mandate is to provide an environmentally responsible transportation option; one that has the potential to play an increasingly important role as we work to create an even greener future for our children and grandchildren".

VIA Rail Canada invites travellers to experience a green travel alternative on their next trip and enjoy the Human Way to Travel to any of the Ontario communities VIA serves. For more information on special conference rates to the Congress, participants can visit www.locongress.com. For more information or to book a trip anywhere in VIA's network, customers can visit VIA's website at viarail.ca or call 1 888 VIA RAIL (842-7245), TTY 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired).

For further information: Media: Ashley Doyle, VIA Rail Canada, [phone], [email protected]; Lee Rozon, Executive Director, Communities in Bloom, 1-877-640-4005, [email protected]