Via Rail service between Prince Rupert and Jasper will remain suspended until June 1, "due to continued infrastructure issues," the passenger rail service announced on Monday.
Via Rail service has been suspended on the route since Feb. 6, when supporters of a group Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs opposed to the Coastal GasLink pipeline set up a blockade near New Hazelton. The blockade at New Hazelton came down in mid-February, but service has not resumed.
On Monday, Via Rail also announced the Canadian route, from Vancouver to Toronto, will also remain suspended until June 1 as part of the company's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Monday's announcement comes after Via Rail reported on Sunday that two of its Montreal employees tested positive for COVID-19 on April 4. One was working onboard trains in theQuébec City-Windsor Corridor and the other was working at the ticket office at Central station in Montréal. The employees had not been at work since March 15 and March 22, respectively, and both developed symptoms while at home.
