For the first time since October of 2019, the Rocky Mountaineer will stop in Quesnel.
The passenger train is scheduled to make its first stop on July 11, with riders making their usual overnight stay in the Gold Pan city.
Director of communications for the Rocky Mountaineer, Nicole Ford said they were hoping to operate two trains in July, with the return to a full twice per week schedule in August.
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“In order to maintain distancing and adhere to COVID regulations, we’ll probably have to have the trains at a maximum 60 per cent full. That way we can maintain space between passengers,” she said.
Ford added the return to a full schedule will hopefully come with the return to full capacity as well.
Non-essential travel between provinces is currently restricted under B.C. provincial health rules, but that could change as soon as July 1, when B.C. is scheduled to move into phase three of the COVID-19 restart plan.
“We’re optimistic travel within the province, and between the provinces won’t be an issue,” Ford said, adding they’re marketing toward B.C. and Alberta residents.
Ford said the Rocky Mountaineer cut down from 700 employees in 2019, to only 175, but with the return of trains, the hiring has begun in earnest once again.
“We’re ready to go,” she said.
The Rocky Mountaineer passes through Quesnel on Sundays and Wednesdays weekly during their regular schedule.
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