(rshsdepot) Toronto Union Station

["Bernie Wagenblast" <brwagenblast_@_home.com>]

    TORONTO, Nov. 16 /CNW/ - Transport Minister David Collenette and VIA
Rail Canada Chairman Jean Pelletier today delivered the first of VIA's new
high-speed locomotives, driving it into Toronto's Union Station, where they
unveiled a $10 million, four-year renovation of passenger rail facilities at
Union Station. VIA also unveiled the bold, new exterior look of its 139 new
Renaissance passenger cars, which will expand the total passenger rail fleet
by one third.
    The new equipment and station project are part of the federal
government's $402 million capital investment in passenger rail. Passenger
rail
across Canada has enjoyed significant growth in ridership and revenues in
recent years. The capital investment will provide VIA with the modern
equipment, tracks, signalling, and facilities it needs to meet growing
demand,
while ensuring safe, efficient operations.
    "The federal government is fully committed to the revitalization of
passenger rail," Mr. Collenette said. "It makes good economic sense. It
makes
good environmental sense. And it expands the range of options available to
Canadians in the transportation marketplace with more trains, faster trains,
and better facilities across the country."
    Mr. Collenette added, "Union Station is the anchor for VIA's national
passenger service. It is Canada's premiere multi-modal hub for intercity
rail,
local subways, regional commuter trains, and commuter bus service. The
$10 million renovation of passenger facilities here at Union Station is part
of a nation-wide investment in better stations and facilities to improve
passenger comfort, convenience and service."
    Noting VIA's impressive record of cost-reduction and revenue growth, VIA
Chairman Jean Pelletier said that each of these initiatives help VIA to
deliver the best possible return on the Government's investment in passenger
rail.
    "The Government of Canada has put forward a bold vision for the future
of
passenger rail in this country," Mr. Pelletier said. "We are responding with
a
sound business strategy to help make that vision a reality - a strategy
based
on understanding the needs of the marketplace, and the needs of Canadian
travellers."
    It is a strategy that is already getting results. Last month, VIA added
a
number of new and extended services in the Greater Toronto Area - services
that Mr. Collenette says are a sign of things to come.
    "The renaissance is well underway," Mr. Collenette added. "The
renaissance of passenger rail - more trains, faster trains, more often - is
unfolding across Canada, bringing truly modern, affordable, safe and
efficient
travel options, to more Canadians than ever before."

    New locomotives: The new Genesis (P42) locomotive is the first of 21 new
high-speed locomotives VIA has purchased from GE Transportation Systems. The
locomotives combine the latest in advanced technology, safety systems, and
proven reliability. Capable of speeds up to 110 mph or 177km/hr, they will
be
used to replace VIA's LRC locomotives, and to expand services in the Quebec
City-Windsor Corridor. The locomotives represent an $80 million investment
and
represent a 60% improvement in emissions as compared to the high-speed
locomotives they will replace.

    Station renovations: A quarter of a billion passengers pass through
Union
Station each year - almost ten times the entire population of Canada. The
$10 million renovation of passenger facilities at Toronto's Union Station
will
ensure more comfortable and convenient service, with new escalators and
elevators, and a complete redesign of the concourse level. Renovations also
include new ticketing facilities, improved baggage handling, and better
access
to boarding platforms. These improvements will also contribute to the
revitalization and long-term financial stability of the station, preserving
Union Station's importance for Toronto and the rest of Canada.
    The station renovations are part of a system-wide project to modernize
all VIA Rail stations. Last month, VIA opened a new station in London,
Ontario, and announced renovation projects at several key stations.

    New passenger cars: VIA's 139 new Renaissance cars were purchased from
Alstom. Designed specifically for business and short-haul overnight service,
the cars are being modified and assembled by Bombardier in Canada to meet
VIA's specifications and all Transport Canada safety requirements. The
$130 million total investment will expand VIA's total fleet by one-third,
enhancing VIA's successful train services in the Quebec City-Windsor
Corridor
and Eastern Canada. They will also allow greater flexibility in deploying
equipment to Western Canada, where demand has continually outpaced capacity
in
recent years.

    Additional information is available in the following backgrounders at
VIA's website www.viarail.ca:

    - VIA's New Locomotives
    - VIA's New Renaissance Passenger Cars
    - Renovation of Toronto Union Station
    - The Renaissance of Passenger Rail: an overview of the federal
      government's $402 million capital investment in passenger rail.

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