VIA Rail Infrastructure Funding Announced

VIA Rail Canada and the Canadian Government have announced funding to infrastructure to improve services for passengers. The The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, and Mr. Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, President and Chief Executive Officer of VIA Rail Canada Inc., have pledged a $34.4 million investment into stations and maintenance plants in the Windsor-Quebec City rail corridor. The VIA Rail infrastructure funding will be shared between several projects.

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It is part of a federal infrastructure initiative which was announced in the 2016 Budget. VIA’s Montréal and Toronto maintenance facilities will be upgraded and repaired. Various mechanical and electrical systems will benefit. heating and ventilation, roof replacement, and water treatment systems will be overhauled and improved.

Stations in the Windsor-Quebec City corridor will be upgraded also, with improved mechanical and electrical systems, heating and ventilation, roof replacement, and platform improvements. A further $400,000 will also be invested in the remediation of a federal contaminated site at VIA’s Edmonton station.

The Canadian Government invested in excess of $395 million in annual funding in 2015-2016 to supplement VIA Canada’s operating and capital needs. A further $444.9 million has been allocated for 2016-2017. This $34.4 million is a part of that funding.

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, said:

“This investment allows VIA Rail’s rail corridor infrastructure to remain safe and secure while at the same time improving the passenger experience by making it more accessible and efficient for everyday Canadians.”

Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, President and Chief Executive Officer, VIA Rail Canada, said:

“As Canada’s national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada is an important part of the climate change solution for Canada. Our services provide an accessible and affordable alternative to cars, the funds announced today support the necessary shift we need to make towards a more sustainable transportation system. We would like to thank the government of Canada for their continued support in helping VIA Rail to be a smarter way to move people.”