VIA Rail Canada has launched a Requests for Qualification (RFQ) for locomotives and cars to replace its Long-Distance, Regional, and Remote (LDRR) train fleet.
This marks the first phase of a national project aimed at modernising VIA Rail’s trains, with plans to replace all trains across the country within the next decade.
This initiative aligns with VIA Rail’s commitment to enhancing Canada’s passenger rail services. Supported by funding from the 2024 Federal Budget, the fleet replacement aims to support essential connections between communities across Canada.
Key Features of the New Fleet:
- Accessibility: The trains will meet high accessibility standards, offering seamless travel for passengers of all abilities
- Modern Comfort: Nine different car types will include features to enhance passenger comfort and provide modern amenities
- Sustainability: The fleet will incorporate environmentally friendly technologies to reduce the environmental footprint of rail travel
- Community Connectivity: The trains will continue to serve remote and Indigenous communities, ensuring vital transportation links
- Economic Benefits: This investment is expected to boost regional economies and support tourism by providing an enhanced travel option
“We are thrilled to launch the Requests for Qualification for our pan-Canadian fleet, a key step in VIA Rail’s ongoing transformation. This milestone, made possible by the Government of Canada’s commitment, ensures we can maintain coast-to-coast services, continue to connect communities, and inspire more Canadians to choose passenger rail. These new trains are central to our vision of offering a modern, accessible, and sustainable travel experience for all regions of Canada.”
The fleet replacement builds on the success of VIA Rail’s new Corridor fleet, expanding the focus to a pan-Canadian level. This will mark the first time in VIA Rail’s history that a unified, new fleet will be deployed across the entire country, strengthening the role of rail in Canada’s transportation network.
