VIA Rail

[Trackside_Treasure]

They have slots for these trains?
But thes nare available to be swapped in case of an issue correct?
Also given that the Ottawa station siding is too short for a venture set, is it possible to stage trains elsewhere without using the platform? Walkley yard?

Yes, they nare available if needed - on standby. These guard sets would be the first thing to go if there was insufficient equipment. The only thing is, they are regularly called on this winter!
I have seen photos taken at Ottawa station showing two tracks with two Venture sets each. Too short? The shore power seems to be located in the centre, allowing all four to be connected.

 

[KevinT]

A friend is heading to Montreal by car in late January for a weekend event, and we've talked about my taking the train there to join him afterwards so we can head to Tremblant for snowboarding, then drive back to Kitchener together. What I'm not clear on is the corridor baggage policies. On a plane I can pay two baggage fees to take a suitcase, a snowboard bag, and a boot bag (which is included for free with the snowboard bag). It doesn't look like I can do that at all on a VIA Economy fare (1 medium item is included, with limited availability to pay for 1 extra large item), and while a Business Class fare says that I can take 1 large carry on with limited availability for 1 extra large item, I'd still be stuck on transporting the boot/helmet bag. For those with more VIA experience, is that a correct interpretation, or is there actually a way to use VIA on a sports trip?

 

[Jonny5]

A friend is heading to Montreal by car in late January for a weekend event, and we've talked about my taking the train there to join him afterwards so we can head to Tremblant for snowboarding, then drive back to Kitchener together. What I'm not clear on is the corridor baggage policies. On a plane I can pay two baggage fees to take a suitcase, a snowboard bag, and a boot bag (which is included for free with the snowboard bag). It doesn't look like I can do that at all on a VIA Economy fare (1 medium item is included, with limited availability to pay for 1 extra large item), and while a Business Class fare says that I can take 1 large carry on with limited availability for 1 extra large item, I'd still be stuck on transporting the boot/helmet bag. For those with more VIA experience, is that a correct interpretation, or is there actually a way to use VIA on a sports trip?

I would simply call them and ask, but get the dimensions written down first so you can tell them exactly how big it is.
Also ask if you need to show up early for any measuring of the size of the item before boarding, or any help getting them into the baggage area, as you may have to do that.

 

[Canadian Chocho]

Sports equipment - Baggage allowance | VIA Rail

We allow travellers to carry sports equipment on certain trains. Here is the list of sports equipment allowed as baggage.

www.viarail.ca

Boards are permitted beyond the standard allowance, provided there is space available on board.

Fee: $25

* The maximum length for boards is 203 cm (80 in)

• Boards must be transported in a rigid or soft-sided container.
• Boots bag can also contain equipment such as helmet and goggles.

Please note that the bag containing sports equipment cannot be used to carry clothing or other personal items.
Additionally, this item must not exceed 158 linear cm (61 linear inches), with linear dimensions calculated by adding the length, width, and height.

 

[KevinT]

Thanks everyone. I did discover the baggage FAQ earlier today, but wasn't sure how (or if) I could specify the snowboard through the online booking system, so I did end up just giving them a call to book through an agent. They were great on the phone with a hold period that was no longer than 30 seconds, and I'm all booked and happy.