Mario Péloquin, the President and CEO of VIA Rail Canada, unveiled the company’s new strategic initiative: VIAction 2030. This comprehensive plan is designed to position VIA Rail as a top-tier operator in North America and a leader in integrated mobility within Canada’s passenger transport sector.
The 2030 objectives set by VIA Rail include:
- Achieving savings equivalent to 15% of its operating deficit.
- Cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to 2005 levels.
- Expanding capacity by 18%.
“Canada was built by rail, and I fundamentally believe in the transformative potential of this industry,” said 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.”
Rail transportation is envisioned as a key solution for addressing the economic and environmental challenges of the 21st century. In the last five years, the Government of Canada has invested over $3 billion in VIA Rail’s modernization, including upgrading the Québec City – Windsor corridor fleet for a more modern, comfortable, and accessible travel experience. The VIAction 2030 plan represents the next phase of this extensive modernization effort, setting the stage for VIA Rail’s future advancements.
“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.
Ongoing Projects
VIA Rail has already embarked on several crucial projects aligned with its strategic goals:
- New Trains Nationwide: The latest federal budget has confirmed support for VIA Rail’s plan to replace long-distance, regional, and remote trains across the country. In the coming years, passengers will enjoy new, state-of-the-art trains that meet the highest standards of comfort and accessibility.
- Integrated Mobility: VIA Rail aims to be a driving force in integrated mobility within Canada. This involves enhancing the integration of its stations with various urban transportation networks and contributing to the development of surrounding neighborhoods.
- Enhancing the Customer Experience: VIA Rail is committed to continuously improving its service to offer the best passenger experience. This includes catering to diverse accessibility needs and striving to provide one of the world’s first zero-waste train journeys.
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