VIA Rail shows its support for Canadian Athletes by rail and at its Vancouver
Station - Special travel rate for family members and volunteers heading to
Vancouver

MONTREAL , Jan. 27 /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.

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.

"Railways have a long and proud tradition of bringing Canadians together," said Canada's Minister of State (Transport), Rob Merrifield . "I applaud VIA Rail for this initiative that recognizes the important role played by athletes, their families and volunteers in the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games."

"We are honoured to be able to extend this opportunity to those who have volunteered their time as well as to the family members of Canada's Olympic athletes," said Marc Laliberté, VIA's President and CEO. "We recognize how important it is for them to have their families there to share in this special moment."

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 more information customers can visit www.viarail.ca/en/support-for-canadian-athletes.

VIA offers coast to coast service from Halifax to Vancouver , with connections in Montreal and Toronto . Operating three times a week, VIA's western transcontinental train, the Canadian, travels from Toronto to Vancouver , with stops in major centres such as Winnipeg , Saskatoon, Edmonton and Jasper. For information on VIA's cross country services customers can visit viarail.ca.

VIA Rail is proud to support our athletes through the Canadian Athletes Now Fund (CAN Fund). In partnership with CAN Fund, VIA will also be hosting a number of event signings between February 17th and 24th at the Vancouver station. Details on the event signing will be communicated once the schedule is finalized. More information can be found at canadianathletesnow.ca.

About CAN Fund

Canadian Athletes Now Fund, is a not-for-profit organization devoted solely to raising funds and support for Canadian athletes. The CAN Fund has created a vehicle that connects Canadians directly to an athlete's journey and success. The Fund is the only organization in Canada that with each donation, you find out the name of the athlete supported and receive a tax receipt. The direct funding is allocated to athletes for nutrition, coaching, equipment, team fees, travel and basic living expenses. CAN Fund is allowing athletes to pursue their dreams.

About VIA Rail Canada

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: Catherine Kaloutsky, VIA Rail Corporate Communications, [phone], [email protected]; Dana Shaw, CAN Fund, 1-866-937-2008