VIA Rail Canada will replace long-distance trains: are we ready for the change?

On December 9, 2024, VIA Rail Canada announced a significant step towards modernizing its train fleet by launching Requests for Qualification (RFQ) to replace its Long-Distance, Regional and Remote fleet. This initiative is part of a transformative project designed to provide Canadians and tourists with a comfortable, accessible, and sustainable travel experience. The new trains will feature advanced amenities and are expected to enhance connectivity across the country, reaffirming rail travel as a vital component of Canada's transportation infrastructure. This replacement project was highlighted in the 2024 Federal Budget, indicating a historical investment in passenger rail services. VIA Rail's President and CEO, Mario Péloquin, emphasized the importance of this milestone for maintaining coast-to-coast services and connecting communities in Canada. The project aims to replace the entire fleet within a decade, marking a transformative era for VIA Rail. The new pan-Canadian fleet will prioritize accessibility, with designs that meet higher standards for all passengers, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Furthermore, the sustainability initiatives embedded within the new fleet will respond to the growing demand for environmentally responsible travel solutions. VIA Rail aims to enhance the passenger experience while also emphasizing the economic impact of this project on regional economies and tourism. By linking remote and Indigenous communities through rail travel, VIA Rail underscores the importance of rail as an essential service in these areas. Through its strategic plan, VIAction 2030, VIA Rail envisions becoming a leader in integrated mobility and a best-in-class operator in North America. This replacement initiative is not merely about modernizing trains; it represents VIA Rail's commitment to a sustainable future, economic development, and a reconnection of communities across Canada, enabling effective and efficient transportation options.