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| back to previous page |
February 9, 2006 |
Member News |
| VIA to relaunch new Easterly Class in 2006 | |
| VIA Rail Canada says that it's new and improved Easterly Class: A Maritime Learning Experience, launched last June, has had a very successful first season. The learning component of the rail journey, the quality of the on-board coordinators and the theme menus offering a culinary exploration of the region, where particularly appreciated. Customer satisfaction ratings, gathered from May to September, exceeded expectations and showed a satisfaction level of 8.4 out of 10, a significant improvement over previous years. Operating from May to October 31, on the Ocean, VIA's Eastern Transcontinental train, between Montréal and Halifax, customers gave particularly high marks as the Maritime Learning Experience immerses travelers in the culture of the region and celebrates its historical richness while pampering passengers with the amenities they expect from a premier class sleeper service. "Our aim was to create a unique learning experience on rails that would give passengers the pleasure of discovering the Maritimes while learning a little more about the history, culture and cuisine from that part of the country," says Keith Moulton, Regional Director, Eastern Services. "It's not about simply getting there, it's about offering a traveling experience to our customers." adding Mr. Moulton. Easterly Class learning coordinators were schooled in history and familiarised themselves with everything from regional wines to how to trap a lobster in order to properly fill the role of on-board hosts. There were also on-board displays and a complimentary route guide. "It was a daring challenge but," says Mr. Moulton, "we came out on top judging from the rave reviews from travel writers and the enthusiastic feedback from passengers. All in all, it was a highly promising first season." Taking customer feedback into account, VIA made modifications in 2006 to improve this service even further. For example, several new historic and geographic information vignettes have been added to the on board activities. We are also pleased to announce that the three meals are now included. The Easterly Class: A Maritime Learning Experience ended it's first season operations on October 31, 2005 and is scheduled to start up again in May 2006. Customers can visit VIA's secure Web site at www.viarail.ca to book their complete trip with one-stop shopping for trains, cars, hotels and activities. Train tickets are available at VIA stations across Canada, including self-service ticketing kiosks located at major stations in central Canada. Passengers can also book their tickets by calling 1-888 VIA-RAIL (1-888-842-7245) or through their travel agent. As Canada's national passenger rail service, VIA Rail Canada's mandate is to provide efficient, environmentally responsible and cost effective passenger transportation services, both in Canada's busiest corridor and in remote and rural regions of the country. Serving more than 450 communities with a 14,000-kilometer network of inter-city, transcontinental and regional trains, demand for rail services continues to grow as more Canadians turn to train travel as a safe and convenient travel choice. |
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Contact Information: Sylvie Bachand, Media and Corporate Communications, VIA Rail Canada, (514) 871-6119, Sylvie_bachand@viarail.ca Marc Deschênes, Product Manager - Eastern Services, VIA Rail Canada, (514) 871-6378, marc_deschesnes@viarail.ca |
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Association of Canada 99 Bank Street, Suite 901 Ottawa, ON K1P 6B9 Telephone: (613) 567-8591 Fax: (613) 567-6726 |
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Mr. Paul Goyette Director, Communications and Public Affairs Phone: (613) 564-8097 |
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