Canadian rail operator VIA Rail has announced a USD 150 million investment in a comprehensive program to modernize its entire fleet of Château and Manor sleeper railcars.
The program includes the modernization of 56 sleeper railcars over the next five years. The initiative is part of the company’s strategy to improve the passenger experience and strengthen Canada’s passenger rail system.
The contract for the work was awarded to CAD Railway Industries, based in Lachine, Québec. The company will carry out upgrades to essential systems and interiors, with the aim of increasing comfort, reliability, and the quality of onboard services for passengers traveling on the long-distance routes The Ocean and The Canadian, considered flagship routes for the VIA Rail network.
The project will generate over 100 skilled jobs in fields such as engineering, project management, and technical trades, while also contributing to the economic development of the Montréal region and strengthening the industrial capabilities of the Canadian rail sector.
“Modernizing these railcars in Canada means greater comfort and reliability for passengers, support for the skilled workforce, and ensuring that our services remain at high standards, alongside the renewal of our fleet over the next decade,” said Mathieu Paquette, CEO of VIA Rail.
Fleet Renewal
In the coming years, the Canadian rail operator will continue the process of gradually modernizing the trains serving its network of long-distance, regional, and service to remote areas. At the same time, the company has already begun procurement procedures for new locomotives and railcars, with the entire fleet set to be replaced over the next ten years.
The current modernization program is designed to ensure a high level of service is maintained throughout this transition, providing passengers with comfortable and safe travel conditions.
According to David Van der Wee, CEO of CAD Railway Industries, the project highlights the high level of expertise in Canada’s railway industry and the importance of investing in domestic industrial capabilities. “We are proud to partner with VIA Rail to deliver high-quality service to passengers across Canada,” he emphasized.
In parallel with this program, VIA Rail continues to invest in the maintenance and modernization of other equipment at its own technical centers, adopting a balanced approach that combines in-house expertise with industry partnerships.
The project reflects VIA Rail’s strong commitment to supporting the domestic industry and aligning with the Canadian government’s priorities regarding public procurement. The majority of the company’s procurement spending goes to Canadian suppliers, thereby contributing to the development of local skills, job creation, and national economic growth.
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