May 12, 2014 - Fredericton - Transport Canada
The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, and New Brunswick Premier, the Honourable David Alward, were pleased to announce today that a tentative agreement has been reached between VIA Rail and the Canadian National Railway (CN), which will allow VIA’s passenger rail service to continue on the Newcastle subdivision.
Under the tentative agreement, which must be ratified by their respective boards, VIA Rail will provide funding to CN for rehabilitation work on the line between Nelson Junction and Nepisiquit Junction. Work will be done on 70.8 kilometres (44 miles) of track, and represents a $10.2M investment for VIA Rail.
As a result of this agreement, VIA Rail will be able to continue to offer its Ocean passenger rail service between Bathurst and Miramichi three days per week in each direction as part of its Montreal-Halifax service.
VIA Rail will hold discussions with the province and municipalities along the subdivision to explore ways they can assist in increasing train ridership.
Minister Raitt noted that she has been following the situation closely and has strongly urged VIA Rail and CN to work together to find a solution that will benefit the citizens of New Brunswick.
Minister Raitt also took the opportunity to acknowledge the appointment of Mr. Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, and to welcome him as the new president and chief executive officer of VIA Rail Canada.
Ashley Kelahear
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Jesse Robichaud
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
506-453-2144
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