All aboard! Via Rail has released a new strategic plan that it hopes will turn it into a "best-in-class" operator in North America.
The plan, VIAction 2030, lists a series of hefty goals that the company wants to meet over the next six years, including:
- Increasing its capacity by 18%;
- Generating savings equivalent to 15% of its operating deficit;
- Reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to 2005.
"Canada was built by rail, and I fundamentally believe in the transformative potential of this industry," said Mario Péloquin, CEO of Via Rail. "I have the ambition to act now to create meaningful change for our passengers, and this plan gives us a clear roadmap which allows us to aim higher and transform the way we operate."
Train travel in Canada was on track in 2019 with ridership of five million, but pre-pandemic, those levels hit the brakes at 1.1 million. But Peloquin is optimistic about the future, as several factors are evolving to see that growth.
The Canadian government has invested more than CAD $3 billion in replacing the Quebec City-Windsor train fleet to provide a more efficient and modern ride. Via said this will help it meet its economic and environmental goals.
The main areas of focus for their strategic plan are Customers and Communities, Safety and Security, People and Culture, Environment and Organizational Sustainability.
“The five pillars of this plan will enable us, among other things, to improve our operations through innovation and continuous improvement and to collaborate with the various players of the transportation industry to better serve Canadians from coast to coast. Thanks to this five-year strategy, we are convinced that even more people will choose the train as the comfortable, sustainable and accessible transportation solution,” said Vanessa Cherenfant, chief strategy officer.
Via says it has already initiated the following:
- New trains from coast to coast: The federal government's latest budget confirmed support for VIA Rail's replacement of its long-distance, regional, and remote trains across the country. Over the coming years, passengers from coast to coast will be able to enjoy new, modern, and comfortable trains that meet the highest accessibility standards.
- Integrated mobility at the heart of their vision: VIA Rail aims to position itself as a unifying force for integrated mobility in the country, particularly by contributing to the integration of its stations with the cities' various transportation networks and by helping densify surrounding neighbourhoods.
- Always improving the customer journey: As part of this plan, VIA Rail wants to improve its service and offer the best passenger experience by, for example, meeting the diverse accessibility needs of its customers and offering one of the first zero-waste experiences on board a train in the world.
The environmentally more sound aspect of train (versus air) is one that resonates with many Canadians, old and new, young and old, leisure travellers and those needing to travel on business.
“I made a commitment early last year to reduce my flying time substantially, so mostly just doing regional events where I can take the train & it's been fabulous," said technology guru and president of AmberMac Media, Amber Mac. “Taking the train instead of flying on these regional routes has a lower carbon footprint. As trains get even more efficient, this will continue to be my preferred way to travel.“
Mac said she's a fervent believer in reducing her carbon footprint and knows that train travel is one way she hopes to reduce her impact. There are also other benefits.
“The train is much more convenient, environmentally-friendly, and productive, so I can arrive at the station 30 minutes before my trip and get more done work-wise en route. Travelling can be stressful, but I find the train to be the least stressful way to get to where I need to go.”
To learn more about the strategic plan, visit:
