Canada’s VIA Rail will acquire 313 new passenger cars under a C$4.7 billion contract with Alstom, announced at the company’s Thunder Bay, Ontario plant on September 3, 2026. The order includes long-distance, regional, and remote-route cars and incorporates nearly C$700 million for a 15-year technical support and spare parts agreement.
Manufacturing Locations and Fleet Use
Alstom will design and engineer the new cars in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Québec, fabricate car bodies at its La Pocatière facility, and complete assembly in Thunder Bay. The vehicles, part of Alstom’s Adessia family, include nine configurations: coach, sleeper, accessible, berth, prestige, panorama, dome, dining, and baggage cars. They are tailored for
Canada’s climate extremes and include cybersecurity features.
The fleet will operate on eight routes serving nearly 400 communities outside the Québec City–Windsor Corridor, including regional and remote centres such as Montréal, Halifax, Gaspé, Jonquière, Senneterre, Toronto, Vancouver, Churchill, Prince Rupert, Jasper, Sudbury, and White River.
Economic Impact and Policy
The program is expected to create or sustain up to 670 direct Canadian jobs, while contributing over C$1.6 billion to the Canadian GDP. The project aligns with the federal Buy Canadian Policy, increasing local steel use and supplier engagement to reinforce domestic rail manufacturing and reduce reliance on international production.
Federal Minister of Transport Steven
MacKinnon emphasized the focus on Canadian jobs, innovation, and building a reliable passenger rail system. Unifor, representing workers at the Thunder Bay plant and VIA Rail employees, called the investment a significant win for Canadian manufacturing and public rail service.
Timeline and Fleet Replacement
First deliveries are expected in 2031 with full completion targeted by 2035. The new builds will replace VIA Rail cars that are up to 77 years old. The initiative complements federal funding of C$1.6 billion for 45 Stadler passenger locomotives and C$357 million for a Montréal assembly and maintenance facility, increasing total federal support for fleet renewal beyond C$6.6 billion.
Official Statements and Technical Features
Mathieu Paquette, VIA Rail interim president and CEO, described the order as a “defining step” for the national fleet. He highlighted retention of signature features including dome cars and full-service dining, alongside modernization with enhanced accessibility and reliability.
MacKinnon stated, “Canadians deserve a passenger rail system that is modern, reliable and built to serve them for generations to come.” An Alstom spokesperson called the project a new chapter between Canada’s national passenger railway and local manufacturer, with the fleet built for Canadians by Canadians.
The new passenger cars will maintain onboard amenities such as social areas and full dining services
while incorporating updated interiors and digital connectivity.
Background and VIA Rail Service Context
This contract ends a four-decade absence of domestic VIA Rail passenger car production. It aims to enhance Canada’s rail manufacturing sector and transit infrastructure. VIA Rail operates as a Crown corporation and saw an 8.8% ridership increase on non-Corridor long-distance and regional routes in 2025, servicing Indigenous, rural, and remote communities with limited transport alternatives.
