The process to replace VIA Rail’s fleet of trains is expected to begin in the coming days after a confirmed investment from the federal government.
On Thursday, Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez highlighted action that is being taken to connect communities across Canada with better passenger rail.
Budget 2024 announced new funding for VIA Rail to replace its aging fleet on routes outside the Québec City-Windsor Corridor.
When pressed by reporters, Rodriguez would not confirm the exact amount that would be spent.
“I cannot give you a specific number because we are going into a call for proposal and we are not going to tell the bidders how much money we have, but I can tell you it is billions and billions of dollars. That’s a lot of money,” said Rodriguez.
VIA Rail board member Jonathan Goldbloom said this investment marks the largest fleet renewal in the company’s history.
“This is not merely an upgrade of equipment, it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to connecting Canadian communities, fostering regional communities and development, supporting tourism and ensuring essential limits to remote and indigenous communities with accessible, sustainable trains,” said Goldbloom.
This investment does not include funds for upgrades to the current tracks, which have proven to require upgrades to improve safety.
Rodriguez was also asked whether this is something the federal government will look at
“The money is going to the fleet, as I said, to replace the train cars. We’re replacing everything with more modern and more efficient or greener equipment. The tracks are owned and managed by CN and those are conversations that we will need to have with CN,” said Rodriguez
VIA Rail officials were also asked whether or not this would mean the number of routes would increase in future. Chief Service Delivery Officer Rita Toporowski said the current focus is the replacement of the fleet they currently have because it is dated from the 1950s.
“We’re always open to reviewing new opportunities. After we figure out what the trains look like, we can get them into service and take a look at it if there is an opportunity to do something further,” said Toporowski.
“We do have lots of communities that are always interested in more service. We just have to, first off, our first step, get a new fleet.”
There’s no word yet where the trains will be designed and built. That will be determined as a part of the procurement process that is expected to begin shortly.
No estimated date was announced as to when this new fleet will be ready for riders.
