VIA Rail Canada reported significant revenue and ridership growth in 2024, while also launching a long-term strategy and securing federal support to modernize its national fleet. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Children and teens under 18 can travel free on VIA Rail this summer when accompanied by a parent or guardian, thanks to the Canada Strong Pass initiative
Photo: VIA Rail

The company recorded an 11.5% increase in total revenue, reaching $351 million, compared to $316 million in 2023. This growth reflects higher demand across its passenger rail services.

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Passenger volume also rose, with VIA Rail Canada transporting 4.4 million travelers in 2024—up 6.6% from the previous year. Demand rebounded steadily as rail travel continued to recover nationwide.

VIA Rail Canada Introduces VIAction 2030 and Modernization Plan

In 2024, VIA Rail Canada unveiled VIAction 2030, a strategic framework to improve service quality, customer experience, and network sustainability. The plan includes long-term investments and innovation priorities.

Additionally, the government approved funding to replace VIA’s aging pan-Canadian fleet. The initiative supports cleaner technology, enhanced reliability, and future-ready infrastructure for intercity rail.

Operational Strains Challenge VIA Rail Canada’s Performance

Despite this momentum, the company faced major service disruptions in the Quebec City-Windsor corridor. In late 2024, regulatory restrictions impacted on-time performance across key routes.

Problems escalated in early 2025, when VIA Rail blamed Canadian National Railway for delays. CN imposed speed limits on VIA-operated trains along shared tracks, reducing schedule efficiency.

Still, VIA Rail continues to prioritize modernization, despite infrastructure limitations and host-railroad constraints. Its fleet renewal and strategy initiatives aim to reposition the company in Canada’s evolving transport market.

Source: www.progressiverailroading.com

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