Seniors and passengers with reduced mobility will receive special attention from our personnel. These special services vary from one region to another depending on station facilities and train cars. Seniors and passengers requiring information about these services, including specialized public transportation, may click on the following link VIA's railroad stations or call one of our telephone sales agents at 1-888-842-7245.
If you are hearing or speech-impaired, contact us via a teletypewriter (TTY) at 1 800 268-9503 (toll-free).
When making your reservations, you must do so by telephone or at one of our ticket offices to let us know which special services you require.
On board the train
Practically all VIA trains are accessible to passengers in wheelchairs and are equipped with wheelchair tiedowns, narrow wheelchairs, tools to reduce the width of certain manual wheelchairs, and grab bars in washrooms. You may even view diagrams of cars that are accessible to passengers using wheelchairs.
On VIA's transcontinental trains, travellers who are unable to come to the dining car or snack counters may have their meals served at their seat by VIA personnel. They may also request additional blankets and pillows.
Some VIA sleeping cars can accommodate passengers travelling on stretchers. A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required.
At VIA Rail stations
VIA Rail has a limited number of stations equipped with high-level platforms or mechanical lifts. Where such facilities are available, VIA Rail will help those with disabilities board and disembark from the train, subject to limitations of size and weight of the persons and their equipment.
Where there is no high-level platform or mechanical lift, travellers with disabilities may need to provide one or more escorts capable of assisting them in boarding and disembarking, depending on the number of VIA employees available at the departure and arrival stations and on the train.
VIA Rail offers free travel to one escort accompanying a person with disabilities in certain circumstances. Any additional persons needed to assist in helping those with disabilities board and disembark will be offered the best available fare.
Checked baggage
VIA accepts wheelchairs as checked baggage, provided that the owner travels by train in at least one direction. For electric wheelchairs, total weight must not exceed 68 kg (150 lb.), and they must be no wider than 81 cm (32 in) and no more than 182 cm (72 in) high or long. However, VIA will also accept as checked baggage electric wheelchairs weighing up to 114 kg (250 lb.) in total, provided that the originating and destination stations are equipped with facilities to load and unload them.
For more information or to book your ticket today, call one of our telephone sales agents at 1 888 VIA-RAIL (842-7245) or TTY 1 800 265-9503.
Our job: to make sure you travel comfortably, conveniently and affordably. Discover all the comfort (and savings!) available to seniors.
Your baggage
How many items of baggage can you take on the train? Is there a checked baggage service? Can you take your pet? Or your bike? You'll find all the answers in our baggage section.
