VIA Rail shows its support for Canadian Athletes

Offers special travel rate for family members and volunteers heading to Vancouver

MONTREAL , Dec. 22 /CNW Telbec/ - VIA Rail Canada is proud to show its support for athletes preparing to represent the country in Vancouver this February and March. From January 25th to March 28th up to two family members of Canadian athletes can travel in economy class to/from Vancouver for free. Those wishing to travel in sleeper touring class will receive a 75% discount off the adult regular fare. Included in the offer are parents, siblings, children, grandparents, spouse and/or partner. VIA is also offering a special fare for confirmed 2010 volunteers heading to Vancouver to welcome visitors from around the world.

"We are all familiar with the stories shared by parents of shuttling their children back and forth from early morning practices at the rink, tales of travelling throughout the province or country for qualifying meets, to support and cheer on their children," said Paul Côté, President and CEO of VIA Rail Canada . "We recognize how important it is for these athletes to have their families in the crowd and to share in this special moment. It is our sincere hope that this offering will allow more families or family members than planned to attend."

Additionally, hundreds of volunteers from across the country will be travelling to Vancouver . VIA is offering these individuals a 50% discount on economy or sleeper touring class tickets. The discount applies to volunteers only and not to their family members. The number of seats available in economy and sleeper touring class under these discounted fares is limited. Other conditions apply,

In order to provide as many families as possible with the opportunity to take advantage of this special discount, reservations will not be accepted until January 5, 2010 when it is expected that members of the Canadian Olympic and Para-Olympic Teams will have been announced.

Family members and volunteers who wish to take advantage of this offer are asked to contact VIA directly at 1 800 661-6791, TTY 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired). Proper identification will be required.

For information on VIA's cross country services customers can visit viarail.ca .

As Canada's national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada's mandate is to provide efficient, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective passenger transportation, both in Canada's busiest corridor and in remote and rural regions of the country. Every week, VIA operates 503 intercity, transcontinental and regional trains linking 450 communities across its 12,500-kilometre route network. The demand for VIA services is growing as travellers increasingly turn to train travel as a safe, hassle-free and environmentally responsible alternative to congested roads and airports.

For further information: VIA Media Contacts: Catherine Kaloutsky, [phone], [email protected]; Elizabeth Huart, [phone], [email protected]