Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector union, is demanding Canadian National Railway (CN) prioritize the proper management of its rail infrastructure to ensure the safe and efficient operation of VIA Rail’s passenger services. The union criticizes CN’s lack of collaboration with passenger rail operators, highlighting recent speed restrictions causing delays and safety concerns.
VIA Rail Canada has unveiled a distinctive yellow train, named ‘Lumi,’ as part of its new fleet for the Québec City-Windsor corridor. Lumi, the sole train with this unique design, is a symbol of VIA Rail’s commitment to modernization and innovation in passenger rail travel. It pays homage to the iconic Turbo Train while embracing a modern aesthetic, offering passengers an exceptional onboard experience.
VIA Rail has appointed Marie-France Poulin and Michael Keenan to its Board of Directors, bringing a wealth of experience in economic development, governance, and transportation policy to the High Frequency Rail (HFR) project. The HFR initiative is a major infrastructure project that aims to revolutionize passenger transportation in Canada.
VIA Rail Canada will host its 2024 Annual Public Meeting on August 7th, 2024. The pre-recorded session will highlight the company’s financial performance, key achievements, and future strategies, including the VIAction 2030 plan.
VIA Rail CEO Martin Imbleau will deliver a keynote address on June 26th, outlining the progress of a new high-speed passenger rail network between Quebec City and Toronto. The luncheon event will explore the project’s milestones, the benefits of intercity rail travel, and its contribution to Canada’s Net-Zero goals.
VIA Rail is introducing several new service options between Ottawa and Toronto to provide passengers with greater flexibility and more convenient travel options. Starting May 27, 2024, VIA Rail will launch a new early-morning departure, train number 641, operating Monday to Thursday. This service will depart Ottawa at 4:19 a.m. and arrive in Toronto at 8:48 a.m., including stops at Kingston, Belleville, Cobourg, and Port Hope. Additionally, VIA Rail will increase the frequency of its midday service, with train 644 now operating daily, which was previously only available from Friday to Sunday. This change is designed to provide passengers with additional travel options in the midday, enhancing overall flexibility. Bookings for these new services will be available starting April 29, 2024.
