Key Takeaways
- VIA Rail aims to cut operational costs by 15% and emissions by 50% by 2030.
- New trains and strategies enhance passenger experience and accessibility.
- VIAction 2030 integrates rail with local transit, promoting sustainable travel.
VIA Rail Canada unveiled its strategic ‘VIAction 2030′ plan on Thursday. The plan outlines ambitious goals to modernize passenger rail service across the country and position itself as a leader in integrated mobility over the next eight years.
The plan’s key objectives include generating operational savings equal to 15% of VIA’s current operating deficit, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to 2005 levels, and increasing overall passenger capacity by 18%.
“Canada was built by rail, and I fundamentally believe in the transformative potential of this industry,” said VIA Rail President and CEO Mario Péloquin. “This plan gives us a clear roadmap to aim higher and transform the way we operate.”
As part of the five pillars underpinning the strategy, VIA will focus on innovation, industry collaboration, enhanced passenger experience, sustainability with zero-waste services, and integrating its stations with local transportation networks.
The plan builds on over $3 billion in government investment over the past five years to modernize VIA’s fleet, including replacing trains operating between Quebec City and Windsor with more accessible, comfortable cars.
Specific initiatives already underway include replacing VIA’s long-distance, regional, and remote trains nationwide with modern, accessible units. The company also aims to unify various mobility services by integrating its stations into cities’ transportation ecosystems.
“Even more people will choose the train as the comfortable, sustainable and accessible transportation solution,” said VIA’s Chief Strategy Officer Vanessa Cherenfant, highlighting the environmental benefits of rail travel.
Canada’s passenger rail operator carries over 5 million passengers annually across its transcontinental network. The ‘VIAction 2030’ blueprint positions VIA to meet future economic and environmental challenges through an enhanced, integrated rail service.
