March 17, 2009

Government of Canada and VIA Rail complete passenger rail upgrades



OTTAWA, March 17, 2009 – Major improvements to passenger rail service in the Ottawa area will make VIA Rail Canada faster and more reliable for passengers. Canada’s Transport Minister John Baird, Donald A. Wright, Chairman of the Board at VIA Rail Canada, and President and CEO Paul Côté, announced over $13 million of improvements are now complete.

“The Government of Canada is taking action to provide faster, more frequent and reliable passenger rail service, which is vital in serving some 450 communities across Canada,” said Minister Baird. “Today’s announcement is another example of government investments that will benefit Canadians by providing jobs to build and improve VIA Rail.”

This investment supplements the $516 million announced for VIA Rail in 2007 for capital requirements. This second phase of the revitalization plan will help VIA Rail consolidate previous investments and continue renewing its assets while securing VIA’s plans for continued growth.

“I applaud the Government of Canada for its recognition of the potential of passenger rail through additional investments in VIA’s network,” said Mr. Wright. “It is in this spirit that we have planned for the wisest possible use of these funds.”

Improvements in the Ottawa region
Upgrades so far on VIA’s network include a $12.5 million investment in the Alexandria Subdivision, between Ottawa and Montreal as well as similar improvements currently underway on the Smiths Falls Subdivision between Toronto and Ottawa. In addition, major renovations worth some $500,000 were made to the Ottawa station, which will allow VIA to serve customers more efficiently and will address operational and safety needs.

About VIA Rail

As Canada’s national passenger rail service, VIA Rail Canada's mandate is to provide efficient, environmentally responsible and cost-effective passenger transportation services, both in Canada's busiest corridor and in remote and rural regions of the country. Serving more than 450 communities with a network of intercity, transcontinental and regional trains, demand for rail services continues to grow as more Canadians turn to train travel as a safe and convenient travel choice.

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Backgrounders:

Alexandria Subdivision
Ottawa Station
Smiths Falls Subdivision