VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail), has unveiled a new strategic vision titled ‘VIAction 2030.’ Through this plan, VIA Rail aims to become a best-in-class operator in North America and a leader in integrated mobility at the heart of the passenger journey in Canada.
Among its 2030 objectives, VIA Rail is committed to:
· 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 VIA Rail President and CEO Mario Péloquin. "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 next step of this major modernization effort.
"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 Vanessa Cherenfant, Chief Strategy Officer.
PROJECTS ALREADY UNDERWAY
VIA Rail says it has already initiated efforts on several central aspects of this plan and is well positioned to meet its objectives.
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 the country. Over the coming years, passengers from coast to coast will be able to enjoy new modern and comfortable trains meeting the highest accessibility standards.
Integrated mobility at the heart of its vision: VIA Rail aims to position itself as a unifying force for integrated mobility in the country, particularly 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 the new plan, VIA Rail wants to improve its service by, for example, meeting the diverse accessibility needs of its customers and offering one of the first zero-waste experiences on board a train in the world.
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