Alstom wins CAD 4.7 billion contract for new VIA Rail Canada fleet

Alstom has been awarded a landmark contract worth CAD 4.7 billion (approximately 3 billion euros) to design, manufacture, and support a new fleet of long-distance, regional, and remote (LDRR) rail cars for VIA Rail Canada. The agreement, which includes the delivery of 313 new Adessia railway cars and a 15-year technical support and spare parts supply agreement, is set to transform passenger rail travel across Canada.

The new fleet, expected to be operational by 2030, will replace VIA Rail’s aging long-distance fleet and service eight major routes connecting nearly 400 communities across the country. The carbody manufacturing will take place in La Pocatière, Québec, with final assembly occurring in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Design and engineering activities will be carried out at Alstom’s facility in St-Bruno-de-Montarville, Québec.

The new Adessia rail cars are designed to enhance passenger comfort, accessibility, and connectivity, while also integrating modern amenities such as full-service dining and social areas. They are built to withstand Canada’s extreme weather conditions and retain the iconic look and feel that many travelers cherish. The cars will feature advanced cybersecurity measures to ensure safe and reliable operations.

Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas, expressed his enthusiasm about the project: "This is an emblematic project for Alstom, and we're honored to be entrusted by VIA Rail and the federal government with delivering it. This project marks the beginning of a new chapter between Canada's national passenger railway company and the country's local rail manufacturer."

Mathieu Paquette, VIA Rail’s Interim President and CEO, added: "Today's announcement marks a defining step in shaping the future of VIA Rail’s pan-Canadian fleet. These new rail cars will retain signature features such as dome cars and full-service dining while incorporating modern amenities, improved accessibility, and greater reliability. 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."

Steven MacKinnon, Canada's Minister of Transport and the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, highlighted the significance of the investment: "Canadians deserve a passenger rail system that is modern, reliable, and built to serve them for generations to come. This investment delivers exactly that while supporting good-paying Canadian jobs and strengthening our domestic rail manufacturing sector."

The project is expected to create or support up to 670 direct jobs at Alstom Canada and hundreds more indirect and induced jobs throughout the local supply chain and communities. Alstom plans to leverage its extensive Canadian supplier network to reinforce its commitment to local manufacturing and innovation.

Alstom has a long history of manufacturing commuter trains, with more than 60 years of experience and over 48,000 rail cars sold for over 60 commuter systems in nearly 20 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Australia. The company’s Adessia commuter rail solutions are among the most sustainable ways to connect people in cities, surrounding suburbs, and remote communities.

"This generational investment by the Canadian federal authorities will help grow national rail industrial capacity and strengthen Canada's resilience to current and future trade disruptions," Keroullé said. "We are committed to leveraging our extensive Canadian supplier network to deliver this new fleet and reinforce our commitment to local manufacturing and innovation."

Alstom’s Canadian operations, with 5,200 highly skilled employees, are the only manufacturer of passenger trains in the country, working annually with over 900 local suppliers and providing a full suite of rolling stock, signalling solutions, and operations and maintenance services for major rail projects in Canada.