From January 1 Ridership decreased by 77% in 2020 compared to 2019 Operating expenses decreased by 21.2% Essential services maintained during the pandemic Continuous implementation of preventive measures in response to the pandemic Sustained progress on VIA Rail's modernization program MONTRÉAL, May 19, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - After a remarkably difficult year, VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) reflects in its 2020 annual report on the unique challenges it faced, and on its responsible and efficient response to the significant disruption in its operations stemming from blockades and the COVID-19 pandemic. VIA Rail experienced in 2020 a 77% drop in ridership and a decrease of 80% in passenger revenues compared to 2019.