Highlights
- Summer 2024: Commercial entry into service of the new
trains in Southwestern
Ontario
- End of 2024: 63% of new trains in service in the
Corridor
- Summer 2025: Complete replacement of all the trains in
the Corridor
LONDON,
ON, June 27, 2024 /CNW/ - VIA Rail
Canada (VIA Rail) today highlighted the arrival of its new
fleet in Southwestern
Ontario (between London and
Windsor) in the presence of more
than fifty partners and stakeholders.The achievement of this
major modernization milestone means that by the summer of 2025, the
entire Québec City-Windsor corridor will be served by
state-of-the-art, modern, accessible and environmentally friendly
trains. The new trains will progressively replace the old fleet
starting this summer, completely transforming the quality of
service on VIA Rail trains for the coming decades.
"Our teams have been focused on modernizing our operations in
the most densely populated region in the country," said Mario
Péloquin, VIA Rail's President and Chief Executive Officer. "With
this important milestone, we are thrilled that Canadians throughout
the entire Québec City-Windsor corridor will be able to enjoy an
unparalleled and fully accessible travel experience. Our full
roster of 32 new trains will be in service by the summer of 2025,
which will mark the completion of this game-changing project for
passenger rail in the Corridor."
Customers can visit
our website to learn about the
routes served by our new trains and all their features including
redesigned ergonomic seats, large adjustable tray tables, braille
and raised display, and large and fully accessible
washrooms.
The arrival of these new, modern trains is
also a great opportunity for businesses to integrate this mode of
transport into their corporate practices for employee travel. It's
a simple and easy policy to put in place that can have a major
impact on an organization's environmental footprint. With improved
ergonomics, greater stability, greater brightness and better
connectivity, the train offers a high level of productivity on the
move, as well as being the best choice for the
environment.
"Since the spring, I have begun a tour of
the country to present VIA Rail's new strategic plan, VIAction
2030. It's an opportunity to raise awareness among major decision
makers. Their internal policies have a real impact, and encouraging
their employees to take the train for business travel sends a
strong signal that they are making a sustainable and responsible
choice for future generations," concludes Mario
Péloquin.
The media kit is available
here https://bit.ly/4cDaMFi
(pictures of both events will be added after they are
held).
Quotes from our partners
"VIA Rail provides essential connections
between our communities here in Southwestern Ontario. That's why the federal
government is investing in the future of VIA Rail, with new train
cars that are more accessible, more comfortable, and more reliable
for Canadians and tourists."
Vance
Badawey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of
Transport
"London has a strong connection to VIA Rail.
Our residents have been consistently advocating to me for robust
regional connectivity that includes dependable and modern service.
From significant improvements in our local VIA station, to the
resumption of routes and commitment to reliable frequency, to the
new state-of-the-art trains coming into service, the future is
bright for local rail travel."
Peter
Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre,
and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing,
Infrastructure, and Communities
"VIA Rail's new expansion in Southwestern Ontario marks a pivotal
development for regional connectivity and travel efficiency. The
introduction of modern, fully accessible, state-of-the-art trains
promises to enhance transportation options and comfort for the
residents Windsor and visitors
alike. This investment underscores VIA Rail's commitment to our
community, aligning with the region's growing economic needs and
demands. As a frequent user myself, I want to thank VIA Rail for
bringing their new modernized fleet to Windsor."
Irek
Kusmierczyk, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of
Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages and MP for
Windsor –Tecumseh
"I am thrilled to welcome VIA's new Venture
passenger train service to London.
These state-of-the-art passenger trains will bring added comfort
and reliability to the thousands of Londoners that depend on this
safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible form of travel.
Congratulations on this accomplishment and best wishes for every
success during your roll out of the new fleet."
Josh
Morgan, Mayor of London
"The City of Windsor has
been identified as one of the fastest growing and most important
communities to watch in Ontario
and Canada. We are facing the
evolving needs, opportunities and challenges that go hand in hand
with incredible economic growth, creation of new jobs, and a
rapidly growing population. As an international gateway between
Canada and the United States, our community is a popular
'Two-Nation Destination' that draws many visitors to the area to
experience some of what makes the Windsor-Essex
region remarkable. VIA Rail is a long-time and valued community
partner, and we appreciate their continuous work to help residents,
visitors, and business community stakeholders get to and from
Windsor in a fast, efficient, and
comfortable way. The announcement of the arrival of this modern,
fully accessible, state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly fleet
of trains will have a big impact on our region and represents a
significant cross-sectoral step forward for our economy. We thank
VIA Rail for this investment, for being a strong partner, and for
connecting folks to our community, as we continue Building
Windsor's Future."
Drew
Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor
About VIA Rail
VIA Rail Canada's mandate is to operate the
national passenger rail service on behalf of the Government of
Canada, and to provide a safe,
accessible, efficient, reliable, sustainable, and environmentally
responsible service that meets the needs of Canadian passengers.
VIA Rail operates intercity trains connecting over 400
communities across Canada and
ensuring rail transportation services to regional and remote
communities. The Corporation safely transported over four million
passengers in 2023 and has been awarded nine Safety Awards and
three Environment Awards by the Railway Association of Canada. For more, visit our website:
https://corpo.viarail.ca/en.
Twitter @VIA_rail
Facebook: viarailcanada
Instagram: @viarailcanada
VIA: Le blogue
SOURCE VIA Rail Canada Inc.