VIA Rail Will Experience No Work Stoppages

Here's some great news. It turns out that VIA Rail shouldn't experience any work stoppages, because it has reached a tentative agreement with the employees.

• VIA Rail and CAW Reach Tentative Agreement
• VIA Rail et les TCA concluent une entente préliminaire 

I'm very glad to read that, because the summer is such an important time for travel the travel industry. Since VIA Rail depend heavily on its tourism, it can't afford to wait for a second chance. I'm sure some foreign tourists would be willing to try again on another date, but most tourists would probably just not come again.

VIA Rail Web Site Redesign

A while ago, VIA Rail redesigned its web site. I took a more detailed look, just a moment ago.

I'm a bit surprised by it, because I can't seem to find the train names. Before, I could find almost anything on there. Now, there is still a lot of information, but it seems so empty by comparison. I wonder if they did any usability tests.

Via Rail Summer Service During Potential Strike

I'm sad to read about a potential VIA Rail work stoppage, on June 28, 2010. Fortunately, it won't affect the entire network: "VIA services between Sudbury - White River (Ontario) and Victoria - Courtenay (British Columbia) are operated by a third party and will continue to operate as normal.".

This is important news for those who plan to travel with VIA Rail during the summer. I know that they already have offered Canadian Forces members and veterans the opportunity to travel.

Take note that VIA Préférence will be affected by this.

• VIA to Provide Basic Service In the Event of CAW Strike
• VIA Preference Information
• VIA fournira un service de base en cas de grève des TCA 
• Information VIA Préférence

Keep reading for my opinion on the matter.