MONCTON,
NB, July 11, 2024 /CNW/ - Canadians deserve
safe, reliable, and resilient transportation systems to connect
their growing communities, keep people moving and grow our economy.
That's why the Government of Canada is investing in essential local
infrastructure, to build vibrant communities and strong regions for
the next generation.
Today, the Minister of Transport, Pablo
Rodriguez, joined by the Minister of Veterans Affairs and
Associate Minister of National Defence, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, highlighted action the
Government of Canada is taking to
connect communities across Canada
with better passenger rail.
Budget 2024 announced new funding for VIA Rail to replace its
aging fleet on routes outside the Québec City-Windsor
Corridor. This investment builds on Budget 2018 funding that
allowed VIA Rail to replace its fleet in the Québec City-Windsor
Corridor. The Government of Canada
is committed to strengthening passenger rail across the country to
keep all Canadians connected and to provide them with an
environmentally friendly way to travel.
This new funding will allow VIA Rail to improve the passenger
experience by providing new, comfortable, and accessible trains. It
will ensure predictability for the communities outside the Corridor
routes that connect eight provinces and provide essential
transportation services to rural and remote communities.
VIA Rail is expected to launch a competitive procurement process
for the fleet replacement.
Quotes
"Budget 2024 investments in VIA Rail's fleet renewal will
enhance the passenger experience, promote environmentally friendly
travel options, and bring communities and local economies together.
We're building vibrant communities and strong regions for the
next generation."
The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez
Minister of Transport
"Today's announcement is all about connecting communities. From
rural and remote communities to growing hubs like Greater Moncton, this initiative underscores
our government's commitment to supporting economic growth, while
strengthening the sustainability and accessibility of the
infrastructure Canadians depend on."
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Veterans Affairs, Associate Minister of National
Defence
"We are very pleased with this important commitment from the
Government of Canada which is the
latest in a series of significant investments supporting VIA Rail's
transformation. By renewing our fleet, we will be able to maintain
our coast-to-coast services, continue to connect a multitude of
communities, and encourage more Canadians to choose rail. These new
trains will support our vision of offering a modern, comfortable,
accessible, and sustainable experience to our passengers in every
region of Canada."
Mario Péloquin
President and Chief Executive Officer, VIA Rail Canada
Quick facts
- This investment, along with the new Siemens trainsets running
on the Quebec City-Windsor corridor routes, ensures that VIA Rail
will have replaced the entirely of its aging fleet.
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SOURCE Transport Canada