VIA's Ocean is set to resume on August 11
https://media.viarail.ca/en/press-relea ... -august-11
And as VIA has already said...... when the Ocean returns it will be a hybrid mix of both Budd and Renaissance equipment. As the Ocean can no longer be turned in Halifax....the F40 Locomotives will be placed back to back and just run around the train to the opposite end at the station. Here's the proposed consist I've seen posted elsewhere:
2 F40s running back to back.
Ren Baggage** (North American coupler on one end)
Ren Accessible Coach
Ren Accessible Sleeper*
Ren Service/Lounge
Ren Diner
Ren Service/Lounge Car
Ren Transition (North American coupler on one end)
Budd Sleepers (up to 5)
Budd Skyline Dome***
Budd Coaches (up to 5)
Budd Baggage**
* A Renaissance Sleeper must be included in each consist as it provides the only Accessible Accommodations
** Note the Baggage Car on each end so it will always be next to the Locomotives as the 2nd Engineer in the Cab also handles baggage duties.
*** Skyline Dome – Initially there will be no Dome as VIA has said.....
”In the current context where VIA Rail offers essential services, dome cars have limited use for the Ocean service and will not be available in order to limit interactions on board the train and ensure the safest travel experience for all. VIA Rail will continue to monitor the evolution of the pandemic closely and will, when conditions permit, review and adjust its service offering."
A Skyline Dome was shown in the proposed consist I've seen and as noted above VIA will "review and adjust its service"........there is still hope!
VIA is also now saying that initially Sleeper passengers will be served all meals in their rooms and a Cart service will be provided for Coach/Economy passengers. This will change once social distancing requirements are eased.
https://media.viarail.ca/en/press-relea ... -august-11
And as VIA has already said...... when the Ocean returns it will be a hybrid mix of both Budd and Renaissance equipment. As the Ocean can no longer be turned in Halifax....the F40 Locomotives will be placed back to back and just run around the train to the opposite end at the station. Here's the proposed consist I've seen posted elsewhere:
2 F40s running back to back.
Ren Baggage** (North American coupler on one end)
Ren Accessible Coach
Ren Accessible Sleeper*
Ren Service/Lounge
Ren Diner
Ren Service/Lounge Car
Ren Transition (North American coupler on one end)
Budd Sleepers (up to 5)
Budd Skyline Dome***
Budd Coaches (up to 5)
Budd Baggage**
* A Renaissance Sleeper must be included in each consist as it provides the only Accessible Accommodations
** Note the Baggage Car on each end so it will always be next to the Locomotives as the 2nd Engineer in the Cab also handles baggage duties.
*** Skyline Dome – Initially there will be no Dome as VIA has said.....
”In the current context where VIA Rail offers essential services, dome cars have limited use for the Ocean service and will not be available in order to limit interactions on board the train and ensure the safest travel experience for all. VIA Rail will continue to monitor the evolution of the pandemic closely and will, when conditions permit, review and adjust its service offering."
A Skyline Dome was shown in the proposed consist I've seen and as noted above VIA will "review and adjust its service"........there is still hope!
VIA is also now saying that initially Sleeper passengers will be served all meals in their rooms and a Cart service will be provided for Coach/Economy passengers. This will change once social distancing requirements are eased.