Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal government has committed $2-billion to renew VIA Rail Canada’s aging long-distance, regional and remote locomotive fleet, including bringing passenger locomotive assembly back to Canada for the first time in more than 25 years.
Funding includes $1.6 billion to build 45 hybrid battery-diesel locomotives and $357 million to construct a new assembly and maintenance facility in Montréal, where up to 36 of the locomotives will be assembled.
The maintenance and assembly facility will be built by Pomerleau.
About 1,200 full-time jobs will be created in manufacturing, construction, engineering and maintenance, with economic benefits centred in Montréal and extending throughout Canada’s rail supply chain.
The new locomotives, to be built by Swiss rail manufacturer Stadler, will become North America’s first hybrid-powered passenger locomotives, using battery-diesel technology to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
“Our hybrid locomotive platform combines performance, reliability and sustainability,” said Iñigo Parra, Executive Vice-President Division Spain. “By integrating battery-assisted operation into a powerful long-distance locomotive, we are providing VIA Rail with a future-oriented solution that supports its environmental objectives while enhancing operational flexibility and passenger service.”
Battery systems, supplied by ABB from its Saint-Laurent, Que., facility, will optimize fuel consumption while providing a foundation for future zero-emission propulsion technology.
The locomotives will replace VIA Rail’s aging fleet serving long-distance, regional and remote routes. The government said the new fleet will improve reliability, operational efficiency and passenger service while supporting a cleaner transportation system.
“Today, for the first time in more than 25 years, we’re bringing passenger rail locomotive assembly back to Montréal,” said Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon. “This investment means skilled manufacturing jobs, stronger Canadian supply chains, and a modern fleet that will keep Canadians connected for decades to come.”
The announcement is part of the federal government’s broader effort to modernize Canada’s passenger rail system through new rolling stock, domestic manufacturing and rail infrastructure.
