York University community members who use VIA Rail services to travel to the University should be aware that VIA Rail Canada will move its operations from Toronto’s Union Station to suburban stations during the core G20 summit dates, June 24 to 27.
Left: VIA Rail will move its operations from Toronto's Union Station during the core G20 Summit dates
As well, due to low advance ticket sales, VIA will be operating a weekend schedule around the core summit dates.
"Due to the proximity of Union Station to the main meeting location, we know that there will be major congestion, making access for our customers very difficult," said VIA President & CEO Marc Laliberté. "We believe that communicating this information to travellers now will help minimize access issues for our customers and ensure the continuity of our operations."
The following changes will be in effect for the period of June 24 to 27:
- All VIA trains between Toronto and Niagara Falls, Windsor, London and points enroute will originate/terminate in Oakville. The VIA/GO Transit station is located at 200 Cross Ave., Oakville.
- All VIA trains between Toronto and Sarnia via Kitchener and London ("north main line") and points enroute will originate/terminate in Brampton. The VIA/GO Transit station is located at 31 Church St. West, Brampton.
- All VIA trains between Toronto and Kingston, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, Gaspé and points enroute will originate/terminate in Oshawa. The VIA/GO Transit station is located at 915 Bloor St. West, Oshawa.
- VIA’s Toronto-Vancouver Canadian will originate/terminate at the Oriole GO Transit station, located at 3300 Leslie St., North York.
Passengers with VIA connections will be shuttled between suburban stations to their connecting trains.
For arriving passengers without connections. VIA will operate a shuttle serving the Oshawa station, Scarborough Town Centre, Yorkdale Shopping Centre and the Oakville station.
VIA will make every effort to minimize shuttle travel times, but advises that customers should expect delays.
Passengers starting their trips at one of the suburban stations will be responsible for their own local ground transportation. Customers are asked to call VIA at 1-888-VIA-RAIL (842-7245) to confirm their train’s departure time.
For the period of June 24 to 27, passengers holding a valid VIA ticket will be able to board GO Transit trains from Oshawa, Oakville or Brampton and Toronto’s Union Station in both directions. Passengers should consult with their local transit operator for schedules serving Oakville, Oshawa and Brampton.
Customers holding bookings for travel during these dates may opt for a full refund or change of reservation for travel that commences no later than August 31, 2010, with no service charges, provided their original reservation has been cancelled or modified prior to the scheduled departure time of their train. Travellers who wish to take advantage of these options should visit the VIA Rail Web site for complete conditions and procedures.
VIA is encouraging customers who wish to change or cancel their reservation to advise VIA by June 22. Note that tickets become non-refundable and non-exchangeable after the scheduled departure time of the train.
Any modifications to schedules or updates to information on suburban operations will be posted on the VIA Rail Web site. Reservations and information are also available by calling VIA toll-free, at 1-888-VIA-RAIL (842-7245) or 1-800-268-9503 (TTY for the hearing impaired).