VIA Rail Highlights Strong Impact of Canada Strong Pass

The Canada Strong Pass by the summer campaign of VIA Rail achieved phenomenal returns since over 50,000 Canadians rode the train with reduced or complimentary pricing from June 20 through September 2, 2025. The initiative spurred the ridership and broadened the national connectedness.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Canada Strong Pass powers summer ridership growth

The pass gave teens and children under the age of 17 a free ride when they accompanied an adult, and students andyoung people aged 18-24 years paid lower rates. Therefore, accessibility and affordability became the focus of the movement.

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Program users traveled more than 43 million kilometres, or the equivalent of traversing Canada about 9,000 times. Meanwhile, passengers saved an aggregate amount of about $6.6 million when using the program during the summer, estimates VIA Rail.

VIA Rail celebrates community and environmental benefits

“Thanks to the Canada Strong Pass, we reunited Canadians with their country, regions and each other safely and comfortably and sustainably. It wasn’t just a promotion: it was an invitation to explore and experience more about the services of VIA Rail.”

—Mario Péloquin, President and Chief Executive Officer, VIA Rail

VIA Rail highlighted the fact that the program was not merely cheaper travel. Rather, it urged Canadians to get reconnected to communities and to think about sustainable travel by rail, underscoring the company’s larger mission.

“From coast-to-coast-to-coast stunning scenery, personally I believe Canada is the prettiest country on the globe. I’m proud that through this programme, VIA Rail has enabled Canadians nationwide and through the centuries to discover the very best our country has to offer.”

— Jonathan Goldbloom, Chairperson du conseil d administration, VIA Rail

Meanwhile, the project enriched regional economies and low-carbon mobility while showcasing the natural beauty of Canada. Trips included Toronto–Vancouver, Montréal–Halifax routes, and routes along the Québec City–Windsor Corridor and Churchill–Winnipeg.

The plan contributed to a 6.5% increase in ridership compared to 2024. But officials highlighted its bigger role in opening the rails to the people, inspiring follow-on travel, and advancing the country towards transport goals.

About the Canada Strong Pass

Canada Strong Pass was a publicly funded pass launched in summer 2025 to support cheaper train rides. It provided free travel and lower rates to youths and teens and free travel to kids. It applied to the entire VIA Rail network.

What is the Canada Strong Pass?

The Canada Strong Pass was a publicly funded initiative offering free or reduced-fee VIA Rail travel to students and families in support of greater affordability and travel during the summer of 2025.

How many people used the programme?

More than 50,000 Canadians registered for the plan traveling over 43 million kilometres throughout the nation and saving an estimated $6.6 million in railway fares.

What routes were included on the Canada Strong Pass?

The airline served long-haul and intraregional markets including the Toronto–Vancouver and Montréal–Halifax routes, the Churchill–Winnipeg route, and high-demand routes

Source: media.viarail.ca

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