Passenger numbers rise but revenue falls for VIA

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VIA Rail has seen its income continue to fall in 2013, despite a small increase in ridership across the network.

Total passenger revenue slid from $63.1 million in the second quarter of 2012 to $61.1 million in 2013.

Expenses continued to rise in Q2, increasing by $9 million. VIA has attributed this primarily to “higher depreciation costs related to the completion of major elements of the capital investment programme completed last year”.

There was some good news, however. Ridership has risen by 0.7 per cent overall and occupancy has also experienced a boost, gaining from 51 per cent to 54 per cent.

Marc Laliberté, president and chief executive of VIA Rail, said: “During the second quarter of 2013, we continued our efforts to develop a train culture in Canada.

“Our promotional strategies have been making the train more and more appealing for travel within Canada, and have stimulated a growth in ridership, especially within the Québec City – Windsor corridor. However, our market remains price sensitive.”

  1. Dear Marc
    Your promotional strategies are to cut services especially here in the Quebec – Windsor corridor how does that promote increased ridership; and the fare system needs to coincide with Go Transit fares especially here in the G.T.H.A !!!!!

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