VIA Rail Canada has signed a 10-year managed services agreement with Icomera, a subsidiary of EQUANS, for the deployment of passenger Wi-Fi and the participation in the creation of a digital platform aboard VIA Rail’s new corridor fleet.
Icomera will lead the development of the onboard passenger Wi-Fi that will allow VIA Rail to provide its passengers with a high-speed reliable internet connection on its new Québec City-Windsor corridor fleet.
In addition, Icomera will participate in the creation of an onboard digital platform which will include content from VIA Rail’s website and tracking of the train’s journey, among other elements.
In close collaboration with VIA Rail’s teams, the project will be spearheaded by the Icomera Canada office, led by the project management and technical services team out of Mississauga, Ontario, and supported by the U.S. team.
Delivery, installation and testing will take place in Sacramento, Calif., and in Montreal, Quebec, ensuring peak performance and above adequate uptime, prior to the commissioning of the first train set in Q4 2022.
“The future of travel is becoming a reality in Canada – together, as industry partners, we have a shared mission for green mobility in today’s digitally transformed world,” said Magnus Friberg, CEO of Icomera.
“Keeping VIA Rail’s passengers informed and productive throughout the journey is one of the easiest ways to improve the onboard experience,” added Gabriel Lopez-Bernal, vice president of sales and marketing for Icomera in North America. “Canada’s passengers will soon enjoy an upgraded passenger experience.”
