advertisement

---

Yesterday, VIA Rail Canada Ltd. President and Chief Executive Officer Marc Laliberté discussed issues and challenges confronting the passenger-rail industry during a speech in Quebec City before members of the Ordre des comptables agréés du Québec.

“VIA must continue to adapt and evolve if it wishes to pursue its growth and remain relevant in the coming years,” said Laliberté.

Worldwide, passenger-rail indicators are on the rise, he said. Several demographic and social factors likely will combine in the coming years to accentuate the trend, such as the positive impact of rail on the environment and climate change, he added.

In order to meet growing demand, the government of Canada and VIA Rail during the past two years have invested nearly $1 billion in the agency’s passenger-rail network. Those investments will make it possible for VIA to renew its fleet of locomotives and cars, and reconfigure certain infrastructure, Laliberté said.

Other initiatives under the program will enable VIA to reduce trip times, add new departures, and improve its on-time performance and operational efficiency.