MONTREAL — VIA Rail has set its sights on transforming the passenger rail experience with an ambitious new plan for the year 2030.
Called VIAction 2030, the plan outlines the company’s 2030 objectives, which 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,” said Mario Péloquin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Via Rail Canada. “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 past five years, the Government of Canada has invested more than $3 billion in the modernization of VIA Rail, including the replacement of its Québec City – Windsor corridor fleet to offer a more modern, comfortable and accessible travel experience. This strategic plan is the logical next step of Via Rail’s major modernization effort, said Vanessa Cherenfant, Chief Strategy Officer.
“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,” said Cherenfant.
PROJECTS ALREADY UNDERWAY
Via Rail has already initiated efforts on several central aspects of this plan, including:
- 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 across Canada. Over the coming years, passengers will be able to enjoy new modern trains that meet the highest accessibility standards.
- Integrated mobility: VIA Rail is focusing on integrating mobility in the country by contributing to the integration of its stations with the cities’ various transportation networks and by helping densify surrounding neighbourhoods.
- Improving the customer journey: As part of this plan, VIA Rail is aiming to improve its service by meeting the accessibility needs of its customers and offering one of the first zero-waste experiences on board a train in the world.
To learn more about VIA Rail’s strategic plan, go to https://corpo.viarail.ca/en/company/strategic-plan.
