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VIA Rail Canada Inc. is investing $923 million to update its rolling stock fleet — the largest investment in passenger-rail service under the Canadian government's economic action plan, according to VIA Rail.

The renewal program calls for a $20 million refurbishment of 78 HEP1 stainless-steel cars, including 40 sleeping and 13 dining cars; an overhaul of 21 locomotives for the Canadian route between Vancouver and Toronto; and refurbishment of the Skyline and Park dome-lounge cars.

In addition, VIA Rail will spend $98 million to overhaul passenger coaches on the Ontario-Quebec corridor routes; and an additional $5.8 million to renovate 21 Renaissance coaches on routes between Quebec and Toronto and Montreal and Halifax, including improvements to economy and sleeping cars on the overnight Ocean service.

The renewal program is being funded by a 2007 passenger-rail capital improvement program and the federal economic action plan, said VIA Rail officials in a prepared statement.