Earth Day - Be a more energy efficient traveller thanks to VIA Rail!

MONTRÉAL, April 19, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - In celebration of Earth Day, VIA Rail Canada is proud to announce its contribution to improve the environmental impact of intercity transportation. Since 2008, VIA Rail has consistently reduced its diesel fuel consumption and put fewer greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) into the air, while being at the forefront of passenger carriers to ensure regulatory compliance and managing our waste efficiently.

« We are committed to making our trains the most environmentally sustainable option for Canadians. One train can replace 10 buses or 180 cars when comparing GHG emissions per capacity. Because it generates far lower greenhouse gas emissions than travel by air or private automobile, passenger rail is widely recognized as the green choice for travel », said Marc Laliberté, President and Chief Executive Officer of VIA Rail.

These fuel savings are largely due to the refurbishment of the F40s, more strategic deployment of locomotives, and more efficient equipment cycling. The Corporation did better in 2012 than the previous year, using approximately 4.4 million fewer litres of fuel compared to 2011, a reduction of 8.8% and savings of approximately $4 million. As a result by the end of 2012, VIA Rail have reduced fuel consumption by 23.5%, and greenhouse gas emissions by 13% per passenger-kilometre, compared to 2008.

About VIA Rail Canada

As Canada's national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada's mandate is to provide safe, efficient and economical passenger transportation service, in both official languages of our country. VIA operates intercity, regional and transcontinental trains linking 450 communities across its 12,500-kilometre route network. Recipient of the Railway Association of Canada's Safety Award in 2011 for the 11^th time in 12 years, and of the 2012 Agent's Choice Award voted by Canadian travel agents and presented by Baxter Travel Media, VIA safely transports nearly four million passengers annually. Since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested almost a billion dollars in VIA Rail. Follow the progress of our transformation at http://www.viarail.ca/en/about-via-rail/capital-investment.

Follow us on our Evolution Blog at viaevolution.ca - on Twitter @VIA_rail - on Facebook.

SOURCE: VIA Rail Canada Inc.

For further information:

Mylène Bélanger
Senior Advisor, Media Relations
VIA Rail Canada
514 871-6137 | 1 877 393-8787
[e-mail] | [e-mail]