Travel Advisory - VIA's Services Between Montreal and Senneterre/Jonquière Suspended Following Freight Derailment

Alternate transportation being arranged for next scheduled departures

MONTREAL, Nov. 22 /CNW Telbec/ - VIA Rail Canada wishes to advise travellers that due to an 11-car CN freight derailment near Saint-Tite, Quebec last evening, it has suspended service between Montréal-Senneterre and Montréal-Jonquière in both directions.

The derailment which occurred late Saturday evening caused extensive damage to a bridge on the rail line. VIA has not yet received confirmation on bridge repairs or line clearance, but initial estimates indicated at least a two-week period.

As a result, all ticket sales for these services have been suspended. VIA is making plans to accommodate passengers scheduled to travel on the next departure of these northbound and southbound trains.

Southbound train 602 from Jonquière to Montréal departing today, has been replaced by a bus.

Southbound train 606 from Senneterre to Montréal departing today will operate to Hervey. Alternate transportation has been arranged for passengers to travel between Hervey and Montréal.

Northbound train 601 scheduled to depart Montréal for Jonquière on Monday, November 23, has been replaced by a bus.

Northbound train 603 scheduled to depart Montréal for Senneterre on Monday, November 23, will be replaced by a bus from Montréal to LaTuque. Passengers will board a train in LaTuque to Senneterre.

VIA is attempting to contact all affected passengers to advise them of the change. VIA wishes to apologize for any inconvenience this disruption may cause to its passengers. Customers wishing further information may visit our website viarail.ca or call 1 888-VIA RAIL (842-7245).

Further updates will be issued as more information is made available.

For further information: VIA contacts: Catherine Kaloutsky, (647) 228-1127