VIA Rail Canada is investing more than C$25 million (US$18.9 million) in upgrades to its London, Ontario, station. Once completed in 2025, the investments will make the station – one of the busiest in VIA Rail’s network – a more comfortable, more accessible and more efficient station and will improve the passenger experience in London.
“At VIA Rail, we are continuing to transform the way Canadians travel from reservation to destination, and this includes our stations,” said Rita Toporowski, VIA Rail’s chief customer officer. “The investments in this station will allow us to enhance the customer experience in London and also demonstrate the commitment of VIA Rail to continue being a key member of the London community."
By improving installations and placing a focus on hiring local contractors for the renovations, VIA Rail aims to contribute to regional economic development. Additionally, the station upgrades will foster opportunities for commercial real estate space and local businesses.
The nature of the upgrades varies from necessary civil, structural, mechanical and electrical work to retrofitting and rehabilitating core building systems and services. The work on the station is planned in four phases:
- Civil and structural upgrades (already completed)
- Building envelope refurbishment (already completed)
- Passenger platform replacement (contract to be awarded in summer 2023)
- Interior and base building services refurbishments (contract to be awarded in fall 2023)
In addition to making the customer experience more comfortable, VIA Rail says the investments will make London’s station more sustainable and accessible. The new platforms will meet the latest accessibility standards and new doors and paths. Full accessibility access into the building has already been upgraded during Phase I construction.
VIA Rail notes renovations are also in line with federal government initiatives, such as the Greening Government Strategy and the Horizontal Fixed Asset Review.
“Our government is committed to passenger rail. Today's announcement is good news for the people of London. In addition to contributing to a better experience, it will create well-paying jobs in the region and ensure that more people choose the train – a greener option,” said Canada Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra.
“The modernization of the VIA station will provide significant benefit to London and the region. As the local demand for passenger rail service continues to grow, the improvements announced today will help make passenger train travel to and from London a desirable alternative for thousands of people in the London region,” said Mayor of London Josh Morgan.
