The revitalization of VIA stations, trains and equipment— The renaissance of passenger rail in the 21st century

(NC) — This year VIA Rail Canada proudly marks its 25th anniversary of service to more than 450 communities along a 14,000-km route that winds its way from coast to coast through the Rocky Mountains, across Canada's prairies through central Canada, along the Gaspé Peninsula and on to Atlantic Canada. One of the world's longest passenger rail networks, VIA's core inter-city and transcontinental routes offer connections to and from a number of northern communities, including the Skeena route from Jasper to Prince Rupert, the Hudson Bay from Winnipeg to Churchill, the Lake Superior from Sudbury to White River and the Abitibi and Saguenay which connect Montréal with Northern Québec.

VIA plays an important role in the communities it serves in a number of ways. Passenger rail contributes to economic development both in terms of moving people (inter-city commuters, leisure travellers and tourists) and by investing in the infrastructure required to maintain and enhance the reliability of the passenger rail system, such as station upgrades and track improvements.

Canadians are demanding more—more trains, more frequent departures and, for the densely populated corridor route, faster trip times. Customer feedback about VIA's service and performance ranks high. Their on-board service is well recognized as being world-class—the latest accolade being international recognition for award-winning cuisine by SAGA Holidays of London, England.

Not only do Canadians enjoy riding the rails, but there is a growing tourism market drawing visitors from Japan, the US and Europe. As leisure travel continues to grow, so too will the market expand. Communities in Canada benefit directly.

VIA's focus continues to be to improve reliability and on-time performance, made challenging by the fact that VIA passenger trains must often share track with freight trains, which often take priority and force VIA scheduling delays.

The five-year federal capital Renaissance investment of $402 million announced in April, 2000 allowed VIA to begin the massive job of renewing its fleet, offering new and refurbished cars throughout Canada, and building or renovating a host of stations across the country.

Not only do these improvements continue to enhance on-board service, they are providing important community benefits at the local level, such as car refurbishments in Moncton and Thunder Bay, station improvements in Vancouver, Jasper, Kitchener, Brantford, Oakville, Toronto, Oshawa, Kingston, Quebec City, and Halifax as well as new or completely refurbished stations in Prince Rupert, London, Barrhaven/Fallowfield (West Ottawa) Campbellton, Bathurst and Moncton.

Safety remains paramount to VIA's planning and operations. Community awareness programs continue to emphasize the importance of keeping tracks clear and residents safe.

System-wide, this investment has resulted in community infrastructure improvements and equipment upgrades to improve traffic flow, enhance comfort, convenience, safety and deliver long-term environmental benefits.

Renaissance is about new, attractive and innovative products and services that benefit communities directly. By providing intermodal hubs linking VIA's national network to local bus, air and ferry services, VIA is making travel in Canada more flexible and more convenient for all travellers.

- News Canada

For more information on VIA Rail Canada's Services, Fares and policies for Families go to VIA Rail Canada - Policies, Fares and Services for Children

Click below to find out how easy it is to Enjoy Canada by Rail

Also Visit these other sections of Travel News: