VIA Preference 2.0 (Probable Devaluation)

[Anderson]

VIA Préférence - Changes coming in 2023

www.viapreference.com

There are all sorts of issues in this - it looks like by going to a revenue-based system they garfed things up with taxes. There's the usual PR drivel about program improvements (the only real improvement is immediately transitioning folks to higher status once they reach the requirements...you know, something that didn't require an overhaul), but it looks like this is close to a carbon-copy of AGR 2.0 in practical terms.

 

[zephyr17]

VIA Préférence - Changes coming in 2023

www.viapreference.com

There are all sorts of issues in this - it looks like by going to a revenue-based system they garfed things up with taxes. There's the usual PR drivel about program improvements (the only real improvement is immediately transitioning folks to higher status once they reach the requirements...you know, something that didn't require an overhaul), but it looks like this is close to a carbon-copy of AGR 2.0 in practical terms.

I just want them to keep the Privilege 20% coupon for the Canadian. As far as the rest goes, I do not much care.

I do plan in cashing in some points for a one-way Toronto Vancouver on the current plan before March 25th so I do not have to pay Ontario provincial taxes on it (which are quite stiff).

 

[Bob Dylan]

I just want them to keep the Privilege 20% coupon for the Canadian. As far as the rest goes, I do not much care.

I do plan in cashing in some points for a one-way Toronto Vancouver on the current plan before March 25th so I do not have to pay Ontario provincial taxes on it (which are quite stiff).

Remember, if you do Vancouver to Toronto you don't pay the Provincial Tax, since Ontario charges it and BC doesnt!

 

[zephyr17]

Remember, if you do Vancouver to Toronto you don't pay the Provincial Tax, since Ontario charges it and BC doesnt!

Yeah, my plan for this year is to go Vancouver-Toronto on my own dime and redeem an award for Toronto-Vancouver before the new program kicks in on March 25th.

I usually go one way VIA and the other Amtrak but plan on doing both ways VIA this time. I have enough VIA points for one way and I am starting to get really concerned the center sill/buffer car issue may signal the end of the line for this last Budd streamliner.

 

[Urban Sky]

VIA Préférence - Changes coming in 2023

www.viapreference.com

There are all sorts of issues in this - it looks like by going to a revenue-based system they garfed things up with taxes.

As I’ve already written elsewhere, Im not sure why some people seem to believe that the statement that „products purchased with VIA Preference points will require the payment of taxes“ would include actual rail travel…

 

[Urban Sky]

As has been pointed out to me in the meanwhile, it indeed seems like there are some temporary issues which require the payment of taxes in actual money rather than points:

 

[zephyr17]

As has been pointed out to me in the meanwhile, it indeed seems like there are some temporary issues which require the payment of taxes in actual money rather than points:
View attachment 31195

Hmmm, maybe I should wait to book Toronto-Vancouver under the new program, then

 

[Rail Lover]

Don’t wait! Last week, we we went coast-to-coast on VIA, Halifax to Vancouver. It was fantastic!

 

[Anderson]

Hmmm, maybe I should wait to book Toronto-Vancouver under the new program, then

No...book now. They're pretty clear about being able to cancel out later.

 

[zephyr17]

No...book now. They're pretty clear about being able to cancel out later.

Well, I know the trip and the dates, so I can book anytime. Both ways on VIA this time because I really am concerned about the longevity of their Budd fleet, I have the points, and Amtrak sucks in comparison. Which version of the program is more advantageous us really the only variable. With that said, I'll probably book the award segment (Toronto-Vancouver) under the current program. Until the coupon situation clarifies I'll hold off on booking the paid portion (Vancouver-Toronto). I want that 20% off coupon.

 

[Anderson]

Well, I know the trip and the dates, so I can book anytime. Both ways on VIA this time because I really am concerned about the longevity of their Budd fleet, I have the points, and Amtrak sucks in comparison. Which version of the program is more advantageous us really the only variable. With that said, I'll probably book the award segment (Toronto-Vancouver) under the current program. Until the coupon situation clarifies I'll hold off on booking the paid portion (Vancouver-Toronto). I want that 20% off coupon.

You might call in and ask (regarding the 20% coupon)?