Via Rail has unveiled its VIAction 2030 strategic plan to transform passenger rail services in Canada.
This plan sets out concrete objectives to help VIA Rail become the best-in-class operator in North America while placing integrated mobility at the heart of its services.
The operator’s 2030 objectives include:
- Generating savings equivalent to 15% of its operating deficit
- Reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to 2005
- Increasing its capacity by 18%
“Canada was built by rail, and I fundamentally believe in the transformative potential of this industry. I have the ambition to act now to create meaningful change for our passengers, and this plan gives us a clear roadmap which allows us to aim higher and transform the way we operate.”
Over the last 5 years, the Government of Canada has invested more than 3 billion CAD in the modernisation of VIA Rail. This has included replacing its Québec City – Windsor fleet to offer a more modern, comfortable and accessible travel experience.
The company’s strategic plan now marks the next chapter in the operator’s modernisation efforts.
“The five pillars of this plan will enable us, among other things, to improve our operations through innovation and continuous improvement and to collaborate with the various players of the transportation industry to better serve Canadians from coast to coast. Thanks to this five-year strategy, we are convinced that even more people will choose the train as the comfortable, sustainable and accessible transportation solution.”
Current Projects
VIA Rail has already initiated efforts on several aspects of its plan. These include:
Deploying new trains from coast to coast: The federal government’s latest budget confirmed support for VIA Rail to replace its long-distance, regional, and remote trains.
Facilitating integrated mobility: VIA Rail is working to integrate its stations with the transportation networks in the cities it serves.
Improving the customer journey: VIA Rail aims to improve its service through initiatives such as meeting the diverse accessibility needs of its customers and offering one of the first zero-waste experiences on board a train worldwide.
To learn more about its strategic plan, visit the VIA Rail website, here.
