Rail Youth Passes Sell out

[spuwho]

A great idea that I don't think is fostered in the US is the idea of a unlimited youth rail pass.

VIA Rail Canada unleashed their new Rail Youth Pass and not only did it sell out, it brought down the VIA online booking system due to the demand.

Can you imagine if Amtrak or All Aboard Florida offered a "Spring Break Rail Pass".  No more flying, and you could use Uber or Lyft to get around locally. 

I think its a great idea!  What say you Brightline?

Per Trains:

http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2017/03/31-via-rail-youth-passes-sell-out-in-hours-overload-online-booking-system

VIA Rail youth passes sell out in hours, overload online booking system

TORONTO — VIA Rail Canada has sold all of its $150 youth passes for unlimited travel across Canada for July 2017 just hours after the campaign launched, the Toronto Star reports.

A high demand for the unlimited travel pass caused the railroad's online booking system to crash just a few hours after reservations started. The passes went on sale Tuesday and were sold out by late Wednesday.

The Canada 150 Youth Pass is a $150 pass for unlimited travel across Canada during the month of July. Intended to coincide with the country's 150th birthday, the campaign also promoted young people to travel by rail on VIA. Sales were capped at 1,867, which corresponds to Canada's confederation.

The pass was available for people between the ages of 12 and 25 as well as students who were 26 and older and in possession of a valid International student identity card.

Pass holders had to reserve their coast-to-coast fare in VIA's economy class using the railroad's escape fare category, which is subject to seat availability.

The youth promotion is one example of the railroad's celebration of Canada's sesquicentennial. VIA has also wrapped several of its locomotives and passenger cars in a special 150th birthday scheme commemorating the country's history.

[gedo3]

Train passes are a wonderful idea for any age!  I've used them in Europe--and they were really handy and so much more efficient than having to translate payment details into different languages.  Plus they might encourage people who have never ridden a train to try it--and become a "regular"!