New reservation system brings changes to VIA Rail fares (2024)

VIA Rail finally launched its new reservation system on November 18, 2023, after having announced and then deferring several previous target dates over the past year.

The new system brings many improvements, including seat selection, and its launch has been accompanied by changes in pricing, including considerably cheaper flexible “Plus” fares, but there are some changes that are not so welcome. These include the disappearance of Student and Senior discounts, and changes to VIA Rail’s baggage policy (see separate article).

Background

ReserVIA, much like VIA Rail’s fleet, was aging and overdue for replacement. Some of the software at core of the previous ReserVIA system dated back decades. While web interfaces, mobile apps, and other tools have been layered on top of it over the years, upgrading the core to a modern system used by railways around the world was a crucial and complex task. Via’s IT infrastructure had to be refreshed and the new system integrated with ticket offices, travel industry partners, the VIA Preference loyalty program, etc., all without major disruption to passengers. Internally known as “Project Everest,” possibly because a mountain of legacy technology had to be overcome, the project began in September 2019 with the signing of a contract with software provider Sqills, which has since been acquired by Siemens Mobility. The Sqills S3 Passenger software behind the new ReserVIA is widely used in Europe, and the company has adopted the OSDM (Open Sales and Distribution Model) interface standard developed by the UIC to enable through-ticketing between rail and bus operators.

Flexible fares become more affordable, upgrades offered

The biggest positive change in VIA Rail’s fare system is that the flexible Economy Plus and Business Plus fares, rather than being fixed at the highest possible price, are now sold on a sliding scale as trains fill up just like “Escape,” “Economy,” and “Business” fares. This means that its much less expensive to book a flexible fare in case your plans change, which rarely made sense before.

The ability to make changes to other fare classes with a service fee remains, and changes can more easily be made online, including upgrades to business class. The “Treat yourself!” prompt to upgrade to Business Class in the booking confirmation, or when viewing an economy reservation is a smart way for VIA to upsell.

Embracing accessibility

Making a reservation with a mobility device or service animal used to require a phone call or visit to a staffed station. One of the best new features of the new system is that a wide variety of specific needs and accommodations can now be booked online. The range of options – mobility, visual, auditory, service dogs, pets, pet allergies, oxygen tanks – available is impressive. VIA has also created a sign-language video guide to the new system.

Clearer fare and service descriptions

The classes of service and fare types available on each train, and the rules applicable to each fare, are now more clearly displayed during booking process. This includes pictures of the various types of berths and cabins in Sleeper and Prestige class, which will be particularly helpful for first-time long-distance travellers.

VIA Preference program updated, redemptions changed

The VIA Preference loyalty program been one of the best in the industry, and now it is fully integrated with ReserVIA so everyone earns points. Earning rates remain the same, but the redemption process has completely changed. Rather than a set menu of journey segments and numbers of points, the number of points required for a reward ticket is now directly linked to the fare. There are some wins and losses as a result. Big winners include many long-distance redemptions, especially if made well in advance on the western Canada routes, and short-distance trips in the corridor that would have required a lot of points in the old redemption chart. However, longer corridor trips, like travelling all the way from Windsor to Quebec City that were a bargain in the old redemption chart are not longer so attractive.

Additional fees now also earn points and redemptions can be applied to them, but the taxes must now be paid when booking a redemption trip. VIA Rail is hoping to find a workaround for this and is currently offering a 30% discount on all redemptions to offset it, resulting in some excellent deals for regular travellers.

Seat selection and baggage fees

The ability to select a seat when booking, particularly to get a forward-facing seat for people who dislike travelling backwards, has been frequently requested and it is now possible in the new system, once again saving a phone call. At launch, seat selection is free “for a limited time,” and available for all fare classes.

The same system is used to select sleeper accommodation. Rather than selling the upper berth and lower berth as different fare types, a fee applies when selecting a lower berth, and there appear to be some limitations on the ability to change the cabin assigned.

However, it looks as through seat selection will cease to be available for the lowest priced “Escape” economy class fares at some point, and fees may apply based on other classes class of fare. Some seats with tables are marked as “premium” which suggests a surcharge.

With the changes in baggage policy comes the ability to prepay for extra baggage when booking. The user interface for this is tabbed per journey segment, and potentially quite confusing in addition to adding a lot of steps to the booking process, and Transport Action has recommended to VIA that this interface be improved, along with the baggage policy itself.

While other travel operators, including airlines and some motorcoach companies also charge for seat selection and extra baggage, strict baggage policies and the addition of “junk fees” to train fares is unwelcome, and not widespread internationally. Transport Action welcomes VIA Rail’s eleventh-hour decision to waive all baggage fees while it reviews the new policy.

Will commuter discounts and travel passes return?

In preparation for the switchover to the new system, VIA Rail discontinued travel passes, commuter passes, and “biz-pak” fare bundles. The loss of these, over an extended period because the switchover took longer than expected, has been widely lamented and will no doubt have resulted in lost revenues.

In addition to student discounts and extra baggage allowances, students could used to be able to purchase term-time and summer passes for unlimited travel. For tourists and leisure travellers the CanrailPass allowed unlimited travel across all of Canada.

Alongside the options for discount codes, the new reservation system does have a box to enter a pass code when searching for trips, which hopefully means that passes can return soon.

With the reinstatement of trains 82 and 83 which served the London, Woodstock, and Brantford commuter market, and the hoped-for reinstatement of train 651 from Kingston, Belleville, and Cobourg, passengers will be looking for the simplicity of a commuter pass but potentially with more flexibility to accommodate changes in working patterns.

Will intermodal connections be reinstated?

In the decade before the pandemic, VIA Rail had made significant progress in connecting intermodal partners into ReserVIA, including Maritime Bus, RobertQ to Sarnia, and the REGIM shuttle to Gaspe, to offer through ticketing to a wider range of destinations. These connections were also removed in order to simply VIA Rail’s system ahead of the changeover, which unfortunately resulted in the suspension Gaspe shuttle service for summer 2023.

Adding such connections was a laborious process in the old ReserVIA. The new software is able to interface to other reservation systems using OSDM, so it should make it a lot easier to offer through-ticketing in the future, should VIA Rail chose to do so. Mario Péloquin, recently appointed as President and CEO, has spoken frequently about the importance of intermodality, and so we hope to see the new system offering connections that reflect VIA’s role as the backbone of Canada’s public transport network.

Photo courtesy of VIA Rail Canada

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New reservation system brings changes to VIA Rail fares (2024)

FAQs

Can you sleep in economy on via rail? ›

Economy class

Spread out and let the gentle motion of the train rock you to sleep while you glide through the wilderness. Extra blankets and pillows can be purchased.

What does "escape fare" mean? ›

Escape Fare - These tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable. Economy Fare - These tickets are partially refundable (fees of 50% of fare or minimum of $20 per segment). They are exchangeable (fees of 25% of fare or minimum of $20 per segment + fare difference). Economy Plus - These tickets are fully refundable.

Can I bring my own food on via rail? ›

You can bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on the train. We also offer a selection of refreshments and food, prepared with carefully selected local products from Canadian artisans. Visit our meals section for more information about the options available for your class of service and route.

What is the difference between economy and economy plus on via rail? ›

Economy Class is a great choice for shorter journeys or travellers who prioritize affordability. Economy Plus Class offers an upgraded experience compared to Economy Class. Passengers in this class benefit from enhanced seating comfort, including additional legroom and wider seats.

Can you shower on VIA Rail? ›

Yes, there are washrooms on every VIA Rail train. There are showers on some of our trains, depending on the route. For long distance trains (e.g. the Canadian and the Ocean), private washrooms and shared shower rooms are available for cabins. Berths have access to a shared washroom and a shared shower room in each car.

How much is the sleeper train from Toronto to Vancouver? ›

The Toronto to Vancouver sleeper train cost depends on the train class you select and the date you choose to travel. Fares for a cabin for two in Sleeper Plus Class start at approximately $2000 per person. Fares for Prestige Class cabins start at approximately $5000 per person.

How strict is VIA Rail with luggage? ›

Each baggage item must be identified with your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. Maximum baggage dimensions include wheels and handles. Any baggage weighing more than 23 kg/50 lb will not be allowed on board the Corridor trains. Each passenger is responsible for their own baggage.

How early should I arrive at Union Station for VIA Rail? ›

It's best to arrive at the station half an hour before departure for travel within the Corridor, and one hour before departure for long distance trains.

Is VIA Rail economy comfortable? ›

The Economy class of The Canadian train features two rows of comfortable seats. These seats come with reclining footrests and provide ample legroom to ensure a comfortable journey. You also have the unique opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape from the expansive Skyline Car.

Is coffee free in VIA Rail? ›

Food and beverages (coffee, alcohol, soft drinks, chips, sandwiches, etc.) are available. Depending on the class of travel you choose food and beverages are either included or available for purchase on board. We also offer options to meet all your dietary requirements.

Is WIFI free on VIA Rail? ›

VIA Rail is proud to provide complimentary Wi-Fi service on board most of its trains, in its Business lounges and in select stations in the Québec City – Windsor corridor. Note that Wi-Fi is also offered on board the Ocean train (Montreal - Halifax) in the service cars located on either side of the dining car.

Where do I put my suitcase on a train? ›

Small cases and bags can be stored under your seat, medium sized bags can go in the overhead racks and large suitcases must be placed in the luggage racks at the end of each carriage.

Are VIA Rail trains air conditioned? ›

Yes, all VIA Rail passenger cars are fully heated and air-conditioned.

Can I charge my phone on VIA Rail? ›

Yes, all HEP and LRC train cars feature at-seat power outlets in both Business class and Economy class, if you wish to charge your phone. HEP equipment can be found in the Québec City-Windsor corridor, the Canadian (Toronto-Vancouver), and the Ocean (Montréal-Halifax on certain departures).

What is Sleeper Plus on Via? ›

Taking comfort to the next level. Private cabin and semi-private berth accommodations. Meals, snacks and beverages included. Priority boarding.

Can we sleep in economy class flight? ›

Catching some sleep in economy class might seem like a huge challenge, but it's not impossible! Sure, you don't have a lot of space, but if you book strategically you can make the most of your economy ticket. We've got great tricks for choosing a seat, getting cozy, and drifting off.

Does VIA Rail have sleeping cars? ›

Travellers can rely on our Château Sleeper cars, which are renowned for their quality and comfort.

Can you stay overnight on a train? ›

Sleepers trains can be a great way to travel long distances overnight as you rest up in comfort, arriving ready for action the next day.

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