VIA Rail Canada has selected Swiss rail manufacturer Stadler to construct a fleet of 45 long-distance hybrid battery-diesel locomotives for use on long-distance and regional trains. The new locomotives are expected to replace VIA’s aging fleet of F40PH-3s, many of which are approaching 40 years old. 

The $1.95 billion deal calls for $1.6 billion to be spent on 45 new locomotives, plus an additional $357 million to construct a new assembly and maintenance facility in Montreal. Officials said that up to 36 locomotives would be assembled in Canada. The locomotives will be North America’s first hybrid-powered passenger locomotives. They will also be the first main line diesel locomotives produced by Stadler for the North American market. Until now, Stadler has mostly worked in the light rail market, although its KISS trainset was used to electrify Caltrain. 

“Today, for the first time in more than 25 years, we’re bringing passenger rail locomotive assembly back to Montréal,” said Minister of Transport 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. By combining Canadian expertise with world-class European innovation, we’re strengthening our economy while building a more resilient passenger rail network for the future.”

Stadler officials said that the locomotives were being built specifically to handle Canada’s extreme weather and would be able to operate at -50°C (-58°F). The first units will be built in Spain and are expected to begin arriving in 2028. Construction will transition to Montreal once Stadler’s new manufacturing facility is completed. The full order is expected to be completed by 2033. 

—Justin Franz