VIA Rail Canada/Celebrating ride of the century, The OCEAN centennial Options

[KevinKorell]

E-mail press release from VIA:

Halifax, July 3, 2004: This year, VIA Rail Canada marks the 100th Anniversary of the Ocean, the longest-running regularly scheduled and named passenger train in North American history. To commemorate the occasion, VIA Rail hosted celebrations throughout Nova Scotia and New Brunswick on Saturday, July 3, 2004. The celebrations commenced in Halifax where several special guests including Her Honour, The Honourable Myra A. Freeman Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia and His Honour Lawrence A. Freeman, Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly, Barbara Kane, member of VIA's Board and Keith Moulton, VIA's Regional Director , Eastern Services attended the event.

One hundred years ago, on July 3rd 1904, the Ocean made its inaugural run between Montreal and Halifax. The train, which was christened through a public contest, began as a summer supplement to the Intercolonial Railway's Maritime Express. The rail link it traveled on had been completed in 1876 as a condition of Confederation. Today, the Ocean still travels the same 1346 kilometers of tracks along the St. Lawrence, through the Matapedia valley, linking the cities of Campbellton, Moncton, Truro and Halifax, with central and western Canada.

First operated by the Intercolonial Railway, the Ocean became part of Canadian National's network in 1919 and changed hands again in 1978 when VIA was formed. During its 100 years of service, it has not only remained a vital link but a source of pride and progress for communities along its route. And it has played a crucial role during the two World Wars, transporting troops to the Port of Halifax and bringing them home victorious.

The Ocean has also often served as a flagship for new railway equipment and technology throughout its history. Through the years, renovations and new equipment transformed the train from one with Victorian-style wooden cars pulled by a 10-wheeler steam locomotive, to a bed and breakfast on wheels.

"As the Ocean celebrates one hundred years of Maritime travel this summer, the train seems destined to continue on as an important link between the eastern provinces and central Canada well into the new century", said Keith Moulton, VIA's Regional Director, Eastern Services.

On July 15, 2004, as part of a five-year capital investment program, the sprightly hundred-year-old Ocean will make its inaugural run as Canada's newest train. The modern Renaissance equipment includes spacious coach cars, sleeping cars featuring bedrooms with individual showers, service cars with a lounge area and a brand new dining car designed specifically for the Ocean.

VIA Rail Canada is the national passenger rail service. VIA transports some four million passengers per year, connecting over 450 communities from coast to coast. Its operations contribute significantly to the tourism sector, generating significant tourism spending throughout Canada.