VIA Rail, international rail community vow to take action on climate change

VIA Rail Canada Inc. and 65 members of the International Union of Railways (UIC) have pledged to limit climate change by reducing their carbon footprints and supporting a shift toward sustainable transportation.

The steps are aimed at supporting international goals toward mitigating climate change, according to a press release from VIA Rail.

For its part, VIA Rail has promised to reduce its specific energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions; stimulate a modal shift to rail in national and international markets by working in partnership with key stakeholders; and communicate its climate-friendly initiatives to raise awareness, acceptance and recognition of the role of sustainable transport in combatting climate change.

Additionally, the Canadian passenger railroad plans to regularly report its specific energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions to UIC, which represents the global community of railway operators and infrastructure managers.

"In taking this pledge with other leaders of the railway community, we believe that VIA Rail can help bring the transformational change required in Canada and around the world that will ensure continued social progress and economic prosperity by providing a more sustainable travel alternative to cars," said VIA Rail President and Chief Executive Officer Yves Desjardins-Siciliano. "VIA Rail can play an instrumental role as a change agent by raising awareness to help mitigate the environmental damage caused by climate change."