New VIA Rail App

VIA Rail has introducing a new mobile App for iPhones and Androids. In celebration of the new App, VIA Preference, VIA Rail’s loyalty program, is offering a double the points promotion when you book through the App by October 31. 2015 and travel by November 30, 2015.

I find VIA Preference points very valuable, as I believe that they are worth at least 6 cents a piece. For example, 550 VIA Preference points can already get you a one-way trip between Ottawa and Montreal, which costs $33 before taxes. Depending on where you make the purchase (different provincial sales tax applies), it goes up to $37 after taxes. The 550 points redemption for a reward trip includes taxes. So $37/550 gives you 6.7 cents for every $1 spent or 6.7% return. So a double the points promotion gives you over 13% return.

It’s not secret that I am always a big fan of VIA Rail. This new mobile App is definitely a step in the right direction!