Accessibility Statement Skip Navigation
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • Webcasts
  • Data Privacy
  • Français
  • my CNW 
    • Login
    • Register
  • Client Login 
    • Online Member Centre
    • Next Gen Communications Cloud
    • Cision Communications Cloud®
  • Sign Up
  • Send a Release
Return to PR Newswire homepage
  • News
  • Products
  • Contact
When typing in this field, a list of search results will appear and be automatically updated as you type.

Searching for your content...

No results found. Please change your search terms and try again.
Advanced Search
  • News in Focus
      • Browse News Releases

      • All News Releases
      • All Public Company
      • News Releases Overview

      • Multimedia Gallery

      • All Multimedia
      • All Photos
      • All Videos
      • Multimedia Gallery Overview

      • Trending Topics

      • All Trending Topics
  • Business
      • Auto & Transportation

      • All Automotive & Transportation
      • Aerospace, Defense
      • Air Freight
      • Airlines & Aviation
      • Automotive
      • Maritime & Shipbuilding
      • Railroads and Intermodal Transportation
      • Supply Chain/Logistics
      • Transportation, Trucking & Railroad
      • Travel
      • Trucking and Road Transportation
      • Auto & Transportation Overview

      • View All Auto & Transportation

      • Business Technology

      • All Business Technology
      • Blockchain
      • Broadcast Tech
      • Computer & Electronics
      • Computer Hardware
      • Computer Software
      • Data Analytics
      • Electronic Commerce
      • Electronic Components
      • Electronic Design Automation
      • Financial Technology
      • High Tech Security
      • Internet Technology
      • Nanotechnology
      • Networks
      • Peripherals
      • Semiconductors
      • Business Technology Overview

      • View All Business Technology

      • Entertain­ment & Media

      • All Entertain­ment & Media
      • Advertising
      • Art
      • Books
      • Entertainment
      • Film and Motion Picture
      • Magazines
      • Music
      • Publishing & Information Services
      • Radio & Podcast
      • Television
      • Entertain­ment & Media Overview

      • View All Entertain­ment & Media

      • Financial Services & Investing

      • All Financial Services & Investing
      • Accounting News & Issues
      • Acquisitions, Mergers and Takeovers
      • Banking & Financial Services
      • Bankruptcy
      • Bond & Stock Ratings
      • Conference Call Announcements
      • Contracts
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Dividends
      • Earnings
      • Earnings Forecasts & Projections
      • Financing Agreements
      • Insurance
      • Investments Opinions
      • Joint Ventures
      • Mutual Funds
      • Private Placement
      • Real Estate
      • Restructuring & Recapitalization
      • Sales Reports
      • Shareholder Activism
      • Shareholder Meetings
      • Stock Offering
      • Stock Split
      • Venture Capital
      • Financial Services & Investing Overview

      • View All Financial Services & Investing

      • General Business

      • All General Business
      • Awards
      • Commercial Real Estate
      • Corporate Expansion
      • Earnings
      • Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
      • Human Resource & Workforce Management
      • Licensing
      • New Products & Services
      • Obituaries
      • Outsourcing Businesses
      • Personnel Announcements
      • Real Estate Transactions
      • Residential Real Estate
      • Small Business Services
      • Socially Responsible Investing
      • Surveys, Polls and Research
      • Trade Show News
      • General Business Overview

      • View All General Business

  • Science & Tech
      • Consumer Technology

      • All Consumer Technology
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Blockchain
      • Cloud Computing/Internet of Things
      • Computer Electronics
      • Computer Hardware
      • Computer Software
      • Consumer Electronics
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Data Analytics
      • Electronic Commerce
      • Electronic Gaming
      • Financial Technology
      • Mobile Entertainment
      • Multimedia & Internet
      • Peripherals
      • Social Media
      • STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)
      • Supply Chain/Logistics
      • Wireless Communications
      • Consumer Technology Overview

      • View All Consumer Technology

      • Energy & Natural Resources

      • All Energy
      • Alternative Energies
      • Chemical
      • Electrical Utilities
      • Gas
      • General Manufacturing
      • Mining
      • Mining & Metals
      • Oil & Energy
      • Oil and Gas Discoveries
      • Utilities
      • Water Utilities
      • Energy & Natural Resources Overview

      • View All Energy & Natural Resources

      • Environ­ment

      • All Environ­ment
      • Conservation & Recycling
      • Environmental Issues
      • Environmental Policy
      • Environmental Products & Services
      • Green Technology
      • Natural Disasters
      • Environ­ment Overview

      • View All Environ­ment

      • Heavy Industry & Manufacturing

      • All Heavy Industry & Manufacturing
      • Aerospace & Defense
      • Agriculture
      • Chemical
      • Construction & Building
      • General Manufacturing
      • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning)
      • Machinery
      • Machine Tools, Metalworking and Metallurgy
      • Mining
      • Mining & Metals
      • Paper, Forest Products & Containers
      • Precious Metals
      • Textiles
      • Tobacco
      • Heavy Industry & Manufacturing Overview

      • View All Heavy Industry & Manufacturing

      • Telecomm­unications

      • All Telecomm­unications
      • Carriers and Services
      • Mobile Entertainment
      • Networks
      • Peripherals
      • Telecommunications Equipment
      • Telecommunications Industry
      • VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
      • Wireless Communications
      • Telecomm­unications Overview

      • View All Telecomm­unications

  • Lifestyle & Health
      • Consumer Products & Retail

      • All Consumer Products & Retail
      • Animals & Pets
      • Beers, Wines and Spirits
      • Beverages
      • Bridal Services
      • Cannabis
      • Cosmetics and Personal Care
      • Fashion
      • Food & Beverages
      • Furniture and Furnishings
      • Home Improvement
      • Household, Consumer & Cosmetics
      • Household Products
      • Jewelry
      • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
      • Office Products
      • Organic Food
      • Product Recalls
      • Restaurants
      • Retail
      • Supermarkets
      • Toys
      • Consumer Products & Retail Overview

      • View All Consumer Products & Retail

      • Entertain­ment & Media

      • All Entertain­ment & Media
      • Advertising
      • Art
      • Books
      • Entertainment
      • Film and Motion Picture
      • Magazines
      • Music
      • Publishing & Information Services
      • Radio & Podcast
      • Television
      • Entertain­ment & Media Overview

      • View All Entertain­ment & Media

      • Health

      • All Health
      • Biometrics
      • Biotechnology
      • Clinical Trials & Medical Discoveries
      • Dentistry
      • FDA Approval
      • Fitness/Wellness
      • Health Care & Hospitals
      • Health Insurance
      • Infection Control
      • International Medical Approval
      • Medical Equipment
      • Medical Pharmaceuticals
      • Mental Health
      • Pharmaceuticals
      • Supplementary Medicine
      • Health Overview

      • View All Health

      • Sports

      • All Sports
      • General Sports
      • Outdoors, Camping & Hiking
      • Sporting Events
      • Sports Equipment & Accessories
      • Sports Overview

      • View All Sports

      • Travel

      • All Travel
      • Amusement Parks and Tourist Attractions
      • Gambling & Casinos
      • Hotels and Resorts
      • Leisure & Tourism
      • Outdoors, Camping & Hiking
      • Passenger Aviation
      • Travel Industry
      • Travel Overview

      • View All Travel

  • Policy & Public Interest
      • Policy & Public Interest

      • All Policy & Public Interest
      • Advocacy Group Opinion
      • Animal Welfare
      • Canadian Federal Government
      • Canadian Municipal Government
      • Canadian Provincial Government
      • Corporate Social Responsibility
      • Domestic Policy
      • Economic News, Trends, Analysis
      • Education
      • Environmental
      • European Government
      • FDA Approval
      • Federal and State Legislation
      • Federal Executive Branch & Agency
      • Foreign Policy & International Affairs
      • Homeland Security
      • Labor & Union
      • Legal Issues
      • Natural Disasters
      • Not For Profit
      • Patent Law
      • Public Safety
      • Trade Policy
      • Policy & Public Interest Overview

      • View All Policy & Public Interest

  • People & Culture
      • People & Culture

      • All People & Culture
      • Aboriginal, First Nations & Native American
      • African American
      • Asian American
      • Children
      • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
      • Hispanic
      • Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual
      • Men's Interest
      • People with Disabilities
      • Religion
      • Senior Citizens
      • Veterans
      • Women
      • People & Culture Overview

      • View All People & Culture

  • Advanced Search
  • Overview
  • Multichannel Amplification
  • Monitoring
  • Distribution
  • Multimedia
  • Guaranteed Paid Placement
  • AI Tools
  • IR
  • Become a Client
  • Request a Demo
  • Editorial Bureaus
  • Partnerships
  • General Enquiries
  • Media
  • Worldwide Offices
  • Hamburger menu
  • Cision Canada
  • Send a Release
  • FR
    • Phone

    • 877-269-7890 from 8 AM - 10 PM ET

    • ALL CONTACT INFO
    • Contact Cision

      877-269-7890
      from 8 AM - 10 PM ET

  • Send a Release
  • Sign Up
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • Webcasts
  • GDPR
  • News in Focus
    • Browse All News
    • Multimedia Gallery
    • Trending Topics
  • Business
    • Auto & Transportation
    • Business Technology
    • Entertain­ment & Media
    • Financial Services & Investing
    • General Business
  • Science & Tech
    • Consumer Technology
    • Energy & Natural Resources
    • Environ­ment
    • Heavy Industry & Manufacturing
    • Telecomm­unications
  • Lifestyle & Health
    • Consumer Products & Retail
    • Entertain­ment & Media
    • Health
    • Sports
    • Travel
  • Policy & Public Interest
    • Policy & Public Interest
  • People & Culture
    • People & Culture
  • Send a Release
  • Sign Up
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • Webcasts
  • GDPR
  • Overview
  • Multichannel Amplification
  • Monitoring
  • Distribution
  • Multimedia
  • Guaranteed Paid Placement
  • AI Tools
  • IR
  • Send a Release
  • Sign Up
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • Webcasts
  • GDPR
  • Become a Client
  • Request a Demo
  • Editorial Bureaus
  • Partnerships
  • General Enquiries
  • Media
  • Worldwide Offices
  • Send a Release
  • Sign Up
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • Webcasts
  • GDPR

VIA Rail reports ridership and revenue increase for a fourth consecutive year Français


News provided by

VIA Rail Canada Inc.

May 08, 2019, 11:00 ET

Share this article

Share toX

Share this article

Share toX

HIGHLIGHTS
From January 1 to December 31, 2018

ALL TRAIN ROUTES
Total Ridership up 8% over 2017 | 4.74 million passengers
Total Revenues up 7.4% over 2017 

QUEBEC CITY-WINDSOR CORRIDOR
4.5 million passengers | 9.3% increase over 2017
Revenues up 11.9% over 2017

MONTRÉAL, May 8, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Benefiting from a four-year upward trend in the number of travellers choosing the train, VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) again posted strong results for 2018. With a vision of being a smarter way to move Canadians, the Corporation provided 4.74 million travellers with an easy, safe, sustainable and enjoyable travel experience. This is an increase of 8% over 2017 and a 25% increase since 2014. Revenues have reached $392.6 million, a 7.4% increase over 2017 and a 40% increase since 2014.

"While marking VIA Rail's 40th anniversary in 2018, we took enormous pride in our strong performance in terms of both revenue and ridership. We were also delighted with the Federal Government's decision to fund the replacement of our aging fleet with a brand new set of trains in the Québec City-Windsor corridor. We thank the Government of Canada for their trust in VIA Rail and for this historic investment in our sustainable future," said VIA Rail Chair of the Board, Françoise Bertrand.

"A fourth year in a row of growth in ridership and improvement in financial performance compared to 2014 is a great way to close out VIA Rail's 40th anniversary. It is also a testament to the growing popularity of intercity train travel and the dedication and commitment of our employees. In all areas of the business, employees are working hard to attract more passengers, making them feel welcome and well-treated. Thanks in large part to their efforts, the number of passenger miles travelled on VIA Rail has increased by 23% since 2014. The resulting increase in revenue combined with efficient cost management and economies of scale have helped the company reduce the cost of mobility on Canadian taxpayers by 15% (subsidy per passenger mile, excluding pension past service cost)." said VIA Rail President and Chief Executive Officer, Yves Desjardins-Siciliano.

Mrs. Bertrand added: "A new chapter is now beginning at VIA Rail with the appointment of Mrs. Cynthia Garneau as President and CEO, effective May 9. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish to thank Mr. Desjardins-Siciliano for his dedication to serving Canadians, and particularly for his clear vision and profound commitment to propel VIA Rail into the future. All of us on the Board, and I am certain all employees, are grateful for his impressive achievements as well as his strong leadership. His accomplishments in the past five years along with the arrival of Ms. Garneau for a five-year mandate allow us to look to the future with confidence and to maintain our momentum towards attaining our vision."

Annual Report Highlights

Celebrating VIA Rail's 40th anniversary

In 2018, VIA Rail celebrated its 40th anniversary as a non-agent Canadian Crown Corporation dedicated to intercity passenger rail services through a multitude of initiatives and meaningful events. To give back to the community and to thank Canadians for their loyalty over the years, VIA Rail launched the 40 Sustainable Actions for Our 40th Anniversary national initiative. By the end of 2018, employees had volunteered and completed over 40 sustainable actions across the country including building water storage ponds in Drummondville, Québec, and supporting Butterfly Lanes in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Putting passengers first

As part of Via Rail's ongoing effort to promote and support local Canadian products on board its trains, new menu items were selected in 2018. Also, in response to requests from passengers, upgrades were made to the selection of vegan, gluten-free and diabetic meals. The meal offerings on the Canadian train were also expanded to accommodate unforeseeable schedule changes.

VIA Rail adjusted the schedule of its Canadian service between Toronto and Vancouver to address ongoing delays caused by the significant growth of freight rail traffic. These changes were made to ensure the safety of passengers while providing them with the best possible customer experience. By adding 9 hours to the schedule, the goal is to provide passengers daytime viewing of the majestic Rocky Mountains and daylight stops to most of the larger cities. Unfortunately, despite these schedule changes, the Canadian continues to experience significant delays resulting at times in trip cancellations.

In 2018, VIA Rail revised its pet policy to allow passengers to travel with their small cats or dogs in the Québec City-Windsor corridor. The new pet policy took effect in August and passengers, travelling in both Economy and Business class, can now bring along their furry companion.

Throughout the year, more and more people chose to travel by train, with notable spikes for holidays and long weekends. Over the 2018 holiday season, VIA Rail had a 10% increase in passengers compared to the previous year. Impressive increases were also noted during the Easter (up 18%), May (up 8.4%), Canada Day (5%), Labour Day (up 9.1%) and Thanksgiving (up 3.1%) long weekends.

The Corporation also resumed passenger train service in northern Manitoba, between Gillam and Churchill in December 2018. Trains now travel again in both directions, according to the regular schedule that was in effect prior to the suspension of service in May 2017 after major flooding severely damaged the rails.

Improving operating performance 

VIA Rail is Canada's only integrated passenger train service operator. Over 3,100 employees provide every facet of our services: from train maintenance to on-train operations, in-station to call centre operations. Thanks in large part to their efforts, the number of passenger miles travelled has increased by 23% since 2014. As a result, the government operating subsidy per passenger mile (excluding pension past service cost) has been reduced from 31.4 cents to 26.7 cents, a 15% improvement. In the Quebec-Windsor Corridor, the government operating subsidy per passenger mile (excluding pension past service cost) has gone from 21.2 cents to 16.6 cents, a 22% improvement.

Modernizing VIA Rail

In December, VIA Rail announced that Siemens Canada was awarded a contract to build the 32 trainsets that will replace VIA Rail's fleet that operates in the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor. Siemens Canada was selected following a fair, open, rigorous and transparent bidding process under the oversight of an independent fairness monitor and VIA Rail's Board of Directors. On-time delivery, quality of product and price were the main criteria on which all the proponents were evaluated. Siemens also announced its intention to source up to 20% of its components and services from Canadian suppliers.

Starting in 2022, millions of VIA Rail passengers travelling in Canada's busiest Corridor will enjoy a new era of brand-new trains, with more comfortable seats and more spaces for people with reduced mobility. Equipped with the latest technology the trains will be more fuel-efficient, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of travel.

The Quebec City – Windsor corridor fleet replacement is part of VIA Rail's transformation plan for Canadian passenger rail service. This plan also includes renovating the rolling stock that operates on VIA Rail's long-distance routes. This renovation work represents an investment of approximately $154 million, undertaken by over 300 Canadian workers.

In addition, the 2018 Federal Budget allocated funding to Transport Canada, for the conclusion of its analysis of VIA Rail's proposed High Frequency Rail (HFR) project. This project aims to transform passenger rail in Canada by creating a more frequent, faster, reliable and convenient service in the Québec City-Windsor corridor.

Growing VIA Rail's community

As part of VIA Rail's remarkable modernization and transformation plan, a new communication platform has been deployed on various marketing channels across the country. « Love the
way » is about reconnecting with the pure joy of the journey. VIA Rail is encouraging more and more Canadians to rediscover the pleasure of train travel and thus contribute to a better future environmentally, economically and socially.

VIA Rail's travel blog continues to showcase Canada's vibrant communities, serving as a resource for travel inspiration.

Investing in VIA Rail's assets

VIA Rail's stations are being modernized to provide a better passenger experience. In Ottawa, VIA Rail's station has become a sustainable mobility hub, with major projects that have improved its accessibility and efficiency. Work has also begun at Halifax Station to improve its overall condition while showcasing the historic architecture of this heritage building.

Since 2010, VIA Rail has increased its commitment to remaining the Canadian leader in accessible intercity travel. It has invested over $162M in its stations, rolling stock and reservation systems (phone and online) to improve accessibility. These projects will greatly transform mobility, contribute to a more inclusive Canada, and ensure Canadian passenger rail remains at the forefront of accessible transportation for travelers with mobility or other restrictions.

VIA Rail's annual report is available at: https://media.viarail.ca/sites/default/files/publications/2018_Annual%20Report_EN.pdf

About VIA Rail Canada
As Canada's national rail passenger service, VIA Rail (viarail.ca) and all its employees are mandated to provide safe, efficient and economical passenger transportation service, in both official languages of our country. VIA Rail operates intercity, regional and transcontinental trains linking over 400 communities across Canada, and about 180 more communities through intermodal partnerships, and safely transports nearly 4.8 million passengers annually. The Corporation has been awarded five Safety Awards and three Environment Awards by the Railway Association of Canada since 2007. Visit the "About VIA Rail" section at https://www.viarail.ca/en/about-via-rail.

Follow VIA Rail
Twitter @VIA_rail
Facebook viarailcanada
Instagram @viarailcanada
VIA: The Blog  

SOURCE VIA Rail Canada Inc.

Marie-Anna Murat, Media Relations, VIA Rail Canada, 1 877 393-8787, [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.viarail.ca/

Modal title

Organization Profile

VIA Rail Canada Inc.

    Also from this source

  • VIA RAIL TO HOLD ITS ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING ON AUGUST 21, 2025

  • VIA RAIL REACHES TENTATIVE AGREEMENTS WITH UNION

  • A TRANSFORMATIVE YEAR FOR VIA RAIL AMID ONGOING OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES

Related Organization(s)

Government of Canada

    Also from this source

  • Readout - Prime Minister Carney speaks with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen

  • Canada and the Northwest Territories Partner on Innovative, AI-Based Core Scanning Initiative to Support Critical Minerals Development

  • Government of Canada Invests in Renewable Energy, Carbon Capture and Grid Modernization in the Maritimes

Contact Cision

  • 866-245-2317
    from 8 AM - 10 PM ET
  • Become a Client
  • Request a Demo
  • Editorial Bureaus
  • Partnerships
  • General Enquiries
  • Media

Products

  • Cision Communications Cloud®
  • Media Monitoring
  • Content Distribution
  • Multimedia Distribution
  • Measurement & Analytics
  • Investor Relations

About

  • About Cision Canada
  • About Cision
  • Media Partners
  • Careers
  • Accessibility Statement
  • APAC
  • APAC - Simplified Chinese
  • APAC - Traditional Chinese
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Czech
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Mexico
  • Middle East
  • Middle East - Arabic
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Russia
  • Slovakia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • United States
  • Vietnam

My Services

  • All News Releases
  • Online Member Centre
  • Next Gen Communications Cloud
  • Cision Communications Cloud®
  • my CNW

Do not sell or share my personal information:

  • Submit via [email protected] 
  • Call Privacy toll-free: 877-297-8921

Contact Cision

Products

About

My Services
  • All News Releases
  • Online Member Centre
  • Next Gen Communications Cloud
  • Cision Communications Cloud
  • my CNW
877-269-7890
from 8 AM - 10 PM ET
  • Terms of Use
  • Information Security Policy
  • Site Map
  • Cookie Settings
  • Accessibility Statement
Copyright © 2025 CNW Group Ltd. All Rights Reserved. A Cision company.