VIA Rail Canada has unveiled a special exterior design for one of its new trains in the Québec City-Windsor corridor, aptly named ‘Lumi.’ This unique train, featuring VIA Rail’s signature monochrome yellow, is a standout in the new fleet, blending tradition with modernity.
‘Lumi is another way to celebrate the arrival of our new fleet and to let even more people know that they can now enjoy an unparalleled onboard experience thanks to these new modern and state-of-the-art trains,’ said Brigitte Dagnault, VIA Rail’s Chief Communications and Marketing Officer. ‘Simple and efficient, the monochrome yellow, our brand’s signature colour, is a bold brand play that will stand out in the Canadian landscape.’
VIA Rail aimed to make a bold statement with Lumi’s design, setting it apart as a beacon of change and innovation. The design process involved considering various alternatives to balance honoring the past and embracing the future. Ultimately, simplicity prevailed, with Lumi’s luminous design evoking the iconic Turbo Train that operated between Montréal and Toronto until 1982. This connection to the past, combined with a forward-looking aesthetic, positions Lumi as the ‘Champion’ of VIA Rail’s new fleet.
‘When people arrive at stations and see Lumi, we want them to feel proud and excited about the modernization of our trains. We’re looking at different alternatives, but we would like the experience on board Lumi to stand out a bit, perhaps with a few surprises for our passengers. We are continuously focusing on offering an exceptional experience from reservation to destination, one that will become a core memory of our customers’ travels. Lumi is part of that vision,’ adds Brigitte Dagnault.
Lumi, short for luminosity, is a one-of-a-kind yellow train set to enter service by the end of August. Before welcoming passengers, Lumi will undergo a series of rigorous tests, just like the rest of the new fleet. These tests will begin in the coming days along the route between Ottawa and Montréal.
Keep an eye out for Lumi as it embarks on this exciting journey!
