(rshsdepot) Moncton, NB

["Jim Dent" <james.dent_@_itochu.com>]

VIA announces major investment in downtown Moncton
- - VIA unveils 2nd phase of $1.5 million station revitalization project
- - Moncton firm delivers first car in $2.4 million Rail Diesel Car
refurbishment contract

MONCTON - The Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of Labour, on behal=
f
of Transport Minister David Collenette, together with VIA Rail Canada
Chairman Jean Pelletier, today announced a $900,000 investment in VIA's
Moncton passenger station, the second phase of a $1.5 million project to
upgrade and modernize the downtown facility. Following the announcement,
Industrial Rail Services of Moncton delivered the first of five Rail Dies=
el
Cars to be refurbished under a $2.4 million contract with VIA.

"The renaissance of passenger rail now underway is all about expanding
options for Canadians, with more trains, faster trains, and better
facilities across the country," said Minister Bradshaw. "Moncton is playi=
ng
an important part in a truly national revitalization of passenger rail."

The refurbished equipment and the station project are part of the federal
government's five year capital investment in passenger rail, announced in
April 2000. Passenger rail across Canada has enjoyed significant growth i=
n
ridership and revenues in recent years. The capital investment will provi=
de
VIA with the modern equipment, tracks, signalling, and facilities it need=
s
to meet growing demand, while ensuring safe, efficient operations.

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 passen=
ger
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 w=
ith
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. Better equipment, and better passenger facilities, w=
ill
ensure the continued growth of passenger rail - here in Moncton, and acro=
ss
the country."

Minister Collenette reiterated the Government of Canada's commitment to
passenger rail service.

"The Government of Canada is committed to revitalizing rail passenger
service in Canada. We have guaranteed stable annual funding to VIA and ha=
ve
committed $402 million in capital investment over the next four years. Th=
is
capital investment strategy is having a positive impact on services acros=
s
Canada," said Minister Collenette.

Station renovations: VIA completed the first phase of the Moncton station
renovation project last month, consolidating its Telephone Sales Office
operations in an adjacent building which will become part of the new stat=
ion
complex. VIA is now launching Phase 2 of the project, a $900,000
revitalization of its passenger facilities, for a total investment of $1.=
5
million. Phase 2 will include an expanded and renovated waiting room, mod=
ern
ticket counters and baggage carrousel, improved washroom facilities and
signage. The exterior of the station will be completely redone, and the t=
wo
small buildings will become one larger building in Moncton's downtown cor=
e =85
and a considerably more attractive one. The finished station will sport a
new brick exterior, a glass-enclosed customer service area, and a new
classically pitched roof reminiscent of traditional railway stations =85 =
all
topped off with a new tower. Renovations are being carried out in
partnership with the property owner, Atlantic Shopping Centre Limited. Lo=
cal
firm Newco Construction is the general contractor.

Rail Diesel Cars: VIA contracted Industrial Rail Services, based in Monct=
on,
to refurbish the self-propelled Rail Diesel Cars used in northern Ontario
and on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. The first completed car was
delivered today. This aging equipment is being completely overhauled to
improve reliability and passenger comfort, and to reduce operating costs.

VIA's Station Renovation Program

Renovations to the Moncton Station are part of a comprehensive, system-wi=
de
program to upgrade and modernize VIA's network of passenger facilities, m=
ade
possible by a $402 million federal investment in passenger rail. Recent
station improvements announced or underway include:

A new, $5.6 million station in London, Ontario, which opened in October,
2001.
A $360,000 renovation of VIA's station in Oakville.
A $250,000 renovation of the shared VIA/GO Transit station in Oshawa.
A $2 million renovation of VIA's Kingston station.
A redevelopment of VIA's passenger facilities in Smiths Falls, in
partnership with the town and local businesses.
A new station in Prince Rupert, B.C., developed in partnership with B.C.
Ferries.
Ongoing improvements and upgrades of all VIA stations will continue in th=
e
coming year.

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End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #205
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