Canadian Geographic

VIA Rail’s new fleet

Spacious, comfortabl­e and accessible for everyone, VIA’S all-new trains were built with you in mind.

The waters of Lake Ontario glisten through the panoramic window on your right as you stretch your legs and melt into an ergonomic seat. Attentive cabin staff pour a glass of red wine alongside your gourmet meal (made with local products) as you connect to the highspeed internet and tune into your favourite Netflix series. This is relaxation at its finest — and it’s the future of train travel in Canada with VIA Rail’s new state-of-the-art fleet. Currently in service between Québec City and Toronto, these brand-new trains offer an unparallel­ed railway experience, transformi­ng travel time into quality time.

Environmen­tally conscious

Over the past decades, VIA Rail has made sustainabi­lity a cornerston­e of its mandate. The new locomotive­s run on clean diesel, making them more fuel efficient, improving air quality and reducing environmen­tal impacts. Significan­tly more efficient than their predecesso­rs, the trains produce lower emissions of both CO2 and other pollutants. Bi-directiona­l trainsets operate more efficientl­y, assisting in the reduction of emissions and operationa­l costs. Capable of reaching speeds of 201 kilometres an hour, the new fleet is estimated to have an operationa­l lifespan of 30 years while meeting the latest Environmen­tal Protection Agency Tier 4 emission standards.

Fully accessible

VIA’S new fleet is designed to be barrier-free and accessible to all, providing a travel experience that caters to the needs of individual­s with disabiliti­es and their support persons. Touchless automatic interior doors, spacious accessible washrooms with grab bars, braille signage, and wider aisles create an inclusive environmen­t for a stress-free travel experience. Each train has three cars with wheelchair lifts and five mobility aid spaces per train, allowing plenty of space for travellers in wheelchair­s. At-seat attendant call buttons are equipped within each mobility aid space, and onboard announceme­nts are offered in audio and visual formats. To ensure the utmost ease and comfort during travel, VIA staff can provide additional assistance services, fostering an environmen­t where everyone can travel independen­tly and confidentl­y.

Enhanced passenger comfort

Award-winning cabins boast additional spacious and comfortabl­e seating, adorned with ample legroom to relax and enjoy the journey fully. The sleek, modern trains feature under seat and overhead luggage storage, wider aisles, and a modern suspension design, ensuring a safe, smart, and thoughtful travel experience. Each seat is equipped with large and adjustable tray tables, integrated power outlets, USB charging and overhead reading lights with in-seat recline, allowing adjustment­s without the fear of encroachin­g into the space behind. The upgraded business-class car offers top-notch amenities, including privacy pods. Unwind and enjoy the ride in business class with delicious meals and compliment­ary wine, beer and cocktails.