VIA Rail Canada to invest C$150 million on sleeper cars during next five years

VIA Rail Canada is investing C$150 million (US$107.6 million) in a major modernization program for its entire fleet of 56 Château and Manor sleeper cars over the next five years. VIA Rail Canada says the program comes as part of its ongoing commitment to improving the passenger experience and strengthening Canada’s passenger rail system.  

CAD Railway Industries, located in Lachine, Québec, was selected to carry out upgrades to key systems and interiors, improving comfort, reliability and onboard amenities for passengers travelling on The Ocean and The Canadian, VIA Rail Canada’s long-distance routes.   

“This investment is about delivering for Canadians today while we build for the future,” said VIA Rail Canada President and CEO Mathieu Paquette. “By modernizing these sleeper cars here in Canada, we are enhancing comfort and reliability for our passengers, supporting skilled Canadian jobs and ensuring our services continue to meet expectations as we renew our fleet over the coming decade.”  

Over the coming years, VIA Rail Canada will progressively renew the trains serving its long-distance, regional and remote network. The procurement process for new locomotives and passenger cars is already underway, with full fleet replacement expected over the next decade. 

“This project highlights the strength of Canada’s rail expertise and the importance of investing in domestic industrial capacity,” said CAD Railway Industries President and CEO David Van der Wee. “We are proud to support VIA Rail Canada in delivering high-quality service to Canadians.”   

As part of this broader program, VIA Rail Canada says it is continuing to invest in the maintenance and modernization of other equipment within its own maintenance centers.