![\"Alstom](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Alstom-Adessia-for-VIA-Rail_1_Copyright-Alstom-SA-2026_Advanced-Creative-Design.jpg\")
<\/p>\nVIA Rail Canada has ordered 313 new passenger rail cars under a 4.7 billion CAD agreement with Alstom. Notably, the vehicles will be designed, manufactured and assembled in Canada.<\/p>\n
The contract, announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney in Thunder Bay, Ontario, will see passenger cars for VIA Rail built domestically for the first time in four decades.<\/p>\n
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Alstom wins landmark contract to renew VIA Rail Canada\u2019s long-distance fleet<\/p>\n
\u00a9 Alstom<\/p>\n
The federal government is providing more than 4.7 billion CAD to VIA Rail to acquire and maintain the new fleet. Alstom will carry out design and engineering activities at its facility in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Qu\u00e9bec. It will then manufacture car bodies at La Pocati\u00e8re, Qu\u00e9bec, and undertake final assembly in Thunder Bay, Ontario.<\/p>\n
The agreement covers 313 Adessia rail cars, with around 4 billion CAD allocated to the vehicles themselves and almost 700 million CAD for a 15-year Technical Support and Spare Parts Supply Agreement.<\/p>\n
The new fleet will replace VIA Rail\u2019s existing long-distance passenger cars, some of which are more than 70 years old. The vehicles will operate on eight long-distance, regional and remote routes outside the Qu\u00e9bec City\u2013Windsor Corridor, connecting nearly 400 communities across Canada.<\/p>\n
Routes served by the fleet will include services linking Montr\u00e9al, Halifax, Gasp\u00e9, Jonqui\u00e8re, Senneterre, Toronto, Vancouver, Churchill, Prince Rupert, Jasper, Sudbury and White River.<\/p>\n
Michael Keroull\u00e9, President of Alstom Americas said:<\/p>\n
This is an emblematic project for Alstom, and we\u2019re honoured to be entrusted by VIA Rail and the federal government with delivering it. This project marks the beginning of a new chapter between Canada\u2019s national passenger railway company and the country\u2019s local rail manufacturer. Together, we are building a fleet for Canadians, by Canadians, and it will move the country forward for generations to come.<\/p>\n
The fleet will comprise nine different car configurations, including coach, sleeper, accessible, berth, prestige, panorama, dome, dining and baggage cars. The new vehicles will retain features such as dome cars, full-service dining and social areas, while adding modern accessibility features, onboard connectivity and updated passenger facilities.<\/p>\n
The cars are being designed for Canada\u2019s climate conditions and will incorporate cybersecurity systems for operational technology.<\/p>\n