VIA suspends service in eastern Quebec areas until short line completes repairs

VIA Rail Canada Inc. will suspend service next month between Matapédia, New Carlisle and Gaspé in eastern Quebec because of infrastructure problems on the Société du chemin de fer de la Gaspésie (SCFG) short line, VIA Rail officials announced late last week.

The service suspension follows the SCFG's decision to suspend traffic along the line because of rail corrosion and malfunctioning crossing signals, said VIA Rail President and Chief Executive Officer Marc Laliberté.

SCFG has not yet confirmed when the necessary upgrades will be completed. Until then, VIA Rail will stop selling tickets for service between Matapédia, New Carlisle and Gaspé, and eliminate temporary bus service after Sept. 17, agency officials said.

VIA Rail trains will run only between Montreal and Matapédia until SCFG has completed the necessary work, they said.