VIA Rail Canada has announced that it will shift operations from Toronto Union Station to suburban stations during the core G20 summit dates from June 24th through 2th. As well, low advance ticket sales have spurred VIA to switch to a weekend schedule around the core summit dates.
"Due to the proximity of Union Station to the main meeting location we know that there will be major congestion, making access for our customers very difficult," said VIA President and CEO Marc Laliberté.
The following changes will be in effect for the period of June 24-27, 2010.
· All VIA trains between Toronto and Niagara Falls, Windsor, London and points en route will originate/terminate in Oakville.
· All VIA trains between Toronto and Sarnia via Kitchener and London and points en route will originate/terminate in Brampton.
· All VIA trains between Toronto and Kingston, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, Gaspé and points en route will originate/terminate in Oshawa.
· VIA's Toronto-Vancouver Canadian will originate/terminate at the Oriole GO Transit station in North York.
Passengers with VIA connections will be shuttled between suburban stations to their connecting trains.
For arriving passengers without connections, VIA will operate a shuttle serving Oshawa station, Scarborough Town Centre, Yorkdale Shopping Centre and Oakville station. VIA says in a statement that it will work to minimize shuttle travel times, but advises that customers should expect delays.
Passengers beginning their trips at one of the suburban stations will be responsible for their own local ground transportation. Customers are asked to call VIA at 1 888 VIA-RAIL (842-7245) to confirm their train's departure time.
For the period of June 24-27, passengers holding a valid VIA ticket will be able to board GO trains from Oshawa, Oakville or Brampton and Toronto's Union Station in both directions. Passengers should consult with their local transit operator for schedules serving Oakville, Oshawa and Brampton.
Customers holding bookings for travel during these dates may opt for a full refund or change of reservation. VIA is encouraging customers who wish to change or cancel their reservation to advise VIA by June 22nd. Conditions and procedures can be found at viarail.ca.
