MONTRÉAL, April 2, 2026 /CNW/ - VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) is investing $150 million in a major modernization program for its entire fleet of 56 Château and Manor sleeper cars over the next 5 years as part of its ongoing commitment to improving the passenger experience and strengthening Canada's passenger rail system. 

CAD Railway Industries, located in Lachine, Québec, was selected to carry out upgrades to key systems and interiors, improving comfort, reliability, and onboard amenities for passengers travelling on The Ocean and The Canadian, VIA Rail's iconic long-distance routes.

This initiative will create more than 100 skilled jobs in engineering, project management, and specialized trades, while contributing to economic growth in the Greater Montréal area and reinforcing Canada's rail manufacturing and maintenance capabilities.

"This investment is about delivering for Canadians today, while we build for the future," said Mathieu Paquette, President and Chief Executive Officer of VIA Rail Canada. "By modernizing these sleeper cars here in Canada, we are enhancing comfort and reliability for our passengers, supporting skilled Canadian jobs, and ensuring our services continue to meet expectations as we renew our fleet over the coming decade." 

Over the coming years, VIA Rail will progressively renew the trains serving its long-distance, regional, and remote (LDRR) network. The procurement process for new locomotives and passenger cars is already underway, with full fleet replacement expected over the next decade. This modernization program will ensure passengers continue to benefit from a high-quality, comfortable, and reliable travel experience throughout this transition.

"This project highlights the strength of Canada's rail expertise and the importance of investing in domestic industrial capacity," said David Van der Wee, President and CEO of CAD Railway Industries. "We are proud to support VIA Rail in delivering high-quality service to Canadians." 

As part of this broader program, VIA Rail is continuing to invest in the maintenance and modernization of other equipment within its own maintenance centres, ensuring a balanced approach that supports both in-house expertise and Canadian industry partners.

This project also reflects VIA Rail's strong commitment to supporting Canadian industry and aligning with the Government of Canada's procurement priorities. The vast majority of VIA Rail's procurement spending is directed to Canadian suppliers, reinforcing domestic expertise, supporting local jobs, and contributing to economic growth across the country.

About VIA Rail

VIA Rail Canada's mandate is to operate the national passenger rail service on behalf of the Government of Canada, and to provide a safe, accessible, efficient, reliable, sustainable, and environmentally responsible service that meets the needs of Canadian passengers. VIA Rail operates intercity trains connecting over 400 communities across Canada and ensuring rail transportation services to regional and remote communities. The Corporation safely transported over four million passengers in 2024 and has been awarded nine Safety Awards and three Environment Awards by the Railway Association of Canada. For more, visit our website: https://corpo.viarail.ca/en. 

About CAD Railway Industries

Established over 50 years ago in Lachine, Quebec, CAD Railway Industries delivers comprehensive maintenance solutions for rolling stock throughout North America. Providing integrated repair and refurbishment services for locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, and diesel engines. The company extends the useful life of rail fleet vehicles and associated assets. With the largest rail rolling stock repair and refurbishment facilities in Canada, CadRI has major locations in Lachine, Qc, Calgary and Lethbridge, AB and Sarnia, Ontario.

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SOURCE VIA Rail Canada Inc.