The twilight is dawning for VIA Rail’s aging train fleet that spans the vast expanse of Canada, a transformation that promises a modern, comfortable, and sustainable rail experience for travelers across the country. This sweeping change, touching provinces from British Columbia to the Maritimes, was formally announced by Federal Minister Pablo Rodriguez, indicating a substantial financial commitment from the Government of Canada for VIA Rail’s extensive fleet renewal.
Mario Péloquin, President, and CEO of VIA Rail, highlighted the significance of this investment, noting that it is part of a broader effort to enhance the national rail service. The move will see over 40 new locomotives and more than 300 passenger cars replacing the oldest fleet of active trains in North America, many of which date back to post-World War II years.
“This renewal will not only allow us to maintain our cross-country services but also connect numerous communities and make rail travel an attractive option for more Canadians,” Péloquin stated.
A Nationwide Upgrade
The refreshed fleet will benefit an array of long-distance, regional, and remote routes, including the iconic “The Canadian” journey from Vancouver to Toronto. Other key routes set for upgrades include:
- Toronto — Vancouver
- Winnipeg — Churchill
- Sudbury — White River
- Prince Rupert — Jasper
- Montréal — Senneterre
- Montréal — Jonquière
- Montréal — Halifax
A Legacy of Timeless Service
VIA Rail’s current cars, most built between 1947 and 1955, are among the oldest operating passenger cars continent-wide. Despite consistent and remarkable maintenance efforts, these venerable trains have reached their operational limits. In comparison, the average age of passenger cars in the United States’ Amtrak fleet is about 34 years, while those in France’s SNCF fleet are roughly 16 years old.
Procurement Process Kicks Off
The government is safeguarding the specifics of the funding amounts to strengthen its negotiating position as VIA Rail prepares to launch its procurement process. This begins with an open call for interested manufacturers through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and will continue with a detailed Request for Proposals (RFP).
In a similar vein, back in 2021 Amtrak committed $10 billion CAD to procure 83 sets of Siemens Venture trains, part of a comprehensive fleet upgrade expected to benefit nearly 40 percent of its services by 2031. Notably, Amtrak’s historic Cascades route will receive brand-new train sets in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, enhancing services between Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland.
With the launch of this ambitious fleet replacement, VIA Rail is poised to usher in a new era of rail travel, offering Canadians a greener, more efficient, and ultimately more enjoyable way to traverse the country’s diverse landscapes.