VIA Rail announces final phase of gradual service resumption

VIA Rail Canada yesterday announced the final phase of its gradual service resumption plan with new frequencies being added starting in December and full operations across the country to return by the end of June 2022.

The return to full operation will occur progressively, starting in December with the return of the second frequency of the Ocean, VIA officials said in a news release. VIA Rail is finalizing details, including access to the infrastructure.

VIA Rail's ridership dropped by more than 95% at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it is still down from pre-pandemic levels, it is now seeing a steady demand, VIA officials said.

VIA Rail continues to deploy strict protocols of sanitary measures on board its trains and in its stations, they  said. Mask-wearing is required at all times in stations and on trains.