top of page
viarail2.jpg

Update for VIA Pass Holders

​

For information about the VIA Pass and/or to replace your card, please call the CN Pension & Benefits Administration at 1-800-361-0739.  Visit the VIA Rail site to book a trip.

​

Identified Issue:

  • Some passes no longer work within the new VIA reservation system

  • Some old passes have initials instead of full first names

  • VIA reservation system no longer accepts initials (November 2023)

​

Guidance:

​

For VIA pass holders who intend to travel, check their VIA pass and do the following:

  • If the pass contains both the full first and last name of the pass holder, no action is necessary, and travel can be booked using VIA’s online system;

  • If the pass contains only initials, contact CN Pension & Benefits Administration (1-800-361-0739) at least 4 weeks prior to travel to have a new pass issued.

​

For those who do not intend to travel or if their current pass has the full spelling of their first and last name, no action is required.

​

It is the member’s responsibility to create an online profile with VIA, and members should contact VIA customer service for any online issues at 1-888-VIA-RAIL (1-888-842-7245)

Spring 2025 Update

 

VIA modified the points program in the spring of 2025 - a decision made by VIA that CN did not have the ability to influence.  Per VIA:​​​

​Modification of the rules related to the accumulation of VIA Préférence points for reservations made with a VIA Rail pass by a CN or CP retiree/their spouse or dependents

 

VIA Rail has standardized the rules related to points accumulation and tier qualification for all bookings made with a VIA Rail pass, so that they are aligned with the program’s general terms and conditions. This change was made as of April 3, 2025, and points accumulation and tier qualification rules for CN and CP retirees rail passes are as follows:

​

  • Members who travel with a pass will earn points only when they pay a surcharge. The amount of the surcharge will be used to calculate the number of points to be credited.

  • The amount paid for a surcharge during a given qualification period will be used to determine the member’s tier level.

​

Impacted passes (Pass codes - Passholders):

 

  • GB - CN active employees, their spouse and dependents

  • GT - Grand Trunk employee, their spouse and dependents

  • HB - CN retirees at the time of issuance, their spouse and dependents

  • MB - CP retiree, spouse & dependents

bottom of page