VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) highlighted the arrival of its new fleet in Southwestern Ontario (between London and Windsor) in the presence of more than fifty partners and stakeholders.
The achievement of this major modernization milestone means that by the summer of 2024, the entire Québec City-Windsor corridor will be served by state-of-the-art, modern, accessible and environmentally friendly trains. The new trains will progressively replace the old fleet starting this summer, completely transforming the quality of service on VIA Rail trains for the coming decades.
“Our teams have been focused on modernizing our operations in the most densely populated region in the country,” said Mario Péloquin, VIA Rail’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “With this important milestone, we are thrilled that Canadians throughout the entire Québec City-Windsor corridor will be able to enjoy an unparalleled and fully accessible travel experience. Our full roster of 32 new trains will be in service by the summer of 2025, which will mark the completion of this game-changing project for passenger rail in the Corridor.”
Siemens Venture trainsets
The Siemens Venture trainsets features include redesigned ergonomic seats, large adjustable tray tables, braille and raised display, and large and fully accessible washrooms.
Performance
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Powered by Siemens Charger locomotives, which are equipped with a proven propulsion system powered by a fuel-efficient Cummins QSK95, 16-cylinder diesel engine providing 4200 hp.
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The engine feeds an alternator and the IGBT traction converters provide single axle control for operation of up to 201 km/h (125 mph)* while meeting the latest EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Tier 4 emission standards.
Accessibility
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Each train set has three (3) cars with onboard wheelchair lifts available in Economy class and Business class. Five (5) mobility aid spaces per trainset allow ample space for wheelchair users.
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Large and fully accessible washrooms allow for easy wheelchair maneuverability, clearer floor area, more hand grabs, a wider door opening and a power-operated door.
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Braille signage is provided on important features such as seat numbers and call-for-aid buttons. At-seat attendant call buttons at Mobility Aid Spaces. Onboard announcements available in both audio and visual formats.
Safety
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Sliding-plug side doors with trap doors and retractable low-level entry steps offer improved ease of entry and exit for high- and low-level platform access.
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Passenger areas are equipped with CCTV that can be accessed by the Operations Control Center.
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Modern sealed gangways (passage between cars) are wider and have a smooth floor surface allowing for an easy transition, isolated from weather, from one car to another.
“Since the spring, I have begun a tour of the country to present VIA Rail’s new strategic plan, VIAction 2030. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness among major decision makers. Their internal policies have a real impact, and encouraging their employees to take the train for business travel sends a strong signal that they are making a sustainable and responsible choice for future generations,” concludes Mario Péloquin.
“VIA Rail’s new expansion in Southwestern Ontario marks a pivotal development for regional connectivity and travel efficiency. The introduction of modern, fully accessible, state-of-the-art trains promises to enhance transportation options and comfort for the residents Windsor and visitors alike. This investment underscores VIA Rail’s commitment to our community, aligning with the region’s growing economic needs and demands. As a frequent user myself, I want to thank VIA Rail for bringing their new modernized fleet to Windsor”, added Irek Kusmierczyk, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages and MP for Windsor –Tecumseh.
The Fleet Replacement Program is a building block of VIA Rail’s modernization plan. In 2022, VIA Rail began to deploy a new generation of trains on the Quebec City-Windsor corridor.
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