VIA Rail Canada has ordered 313 Adessia rail cars to replace its current long-distance passenger fleet. The $4.7 billion (Canadian) deal includes construction of the cars, as well as long-term technical support and spare parts services. The cars will be built in Canada. 

The new single-level cars will include coaches, diners, sleepers and even dome cars. They will replace VIA’s present long-distance fleet, including its classic Budd-built cars purchased by Canadian Pacific back in the 1950s. The new cars will be used across the VIA Rail system, from Vancouver to Halifax. 

The announcement of the Alstom order comes just weeks after VIA announced it was purchasing new locomotives from Stadler. 

“These new rail cars will retain signature features such as dome cars, full-service dining and social areas, while incorporating modern amenities, improved accessibility, and greater reliability,” said VIA Rail Interim President and CEO Mathieu Paquette. “They will help us preserve essential services to remote communities and elevate the unique onboard experience that allows passengers to discover Canada in a way that only train travel can offer.”

—Justin Franz