Jacobs to Support VIA Rail Fleet Modernization Across Canada

Jacobs has been selected by VIA Rail Canada to provide technical advisory and program management services for the Long Distance, Regional and Remote (LDRR) fleet renewal program.

The initiative will modernize VIA Rail’s aging long-distance and regional fleet with new locomotives and passenger railcars. As a result, the program aims to improve reliability, accessibility and the passenger experience across Canada.

Major Passenger Rail Fleet Renewal

The LDRR program is one of North America’s largest passenger rail fleet renewal projects currently underway. It includes more than 300 pieces of rolling stock.

The fleet will include locomotives, sleeper cars, dining cars and coach cars. These vehicles will serve VIA Rail’s national network from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific and north to Hudson Bay.

During the delivery phase, Jacobs will provide project management and engineering support. In addition, its services will include manufacturing oversight, testing and commissioning, quality assurance and regulatory compliance reviews.

“VIA Rail’s LDRR program represents an important investment in the future of passenger rail transportation in Canada,” said Heather MacDonald, Jacobs Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Growth and Sales, Canada.

Building on VIA Rail Partnership

Jacobs will lead the work from Montréal, with support from SYSTRA and rail specialists across Canada and internationally.

The project also builds on nearly a decade of collaboration between Jacobs and VIA Rail. Previously, Jacobs supported the Corridor Fleet Renewal Program, including procurement, manufacturing oversight, testing and entry into service for 32 new trainsets.

Those trainsets now serve the Québec City to Windsor, Ontario corridor. Furthermore, Jacobs has supported technical specification development for VIA Rail’s broader Fleet Replacement Program.

“Over the past several years, we’ve developed a strong understanding of VIA Rail’s operational needs and long-term fleet objectives,” said Marc-André Dupuis, Jacobs’ Program Technical Lead for the LDRR program.

According to Jacobs, this experience will help support the transition from procurement to delivery. It will also support VIA Rail as the new fleet enters service across its national network.

Supporting Next-Generation Rail Travel

Jacobs Program Manager Dominique Bérubé also highlighted the importance of the company’s established relationship with VIA Rail. The partnership provides an understanding of the railway’s operating environment, stakeholders and delivery requirements.

Meanwhile, the LDRR program adds to Jacobs’ wider rail and transit experience in Canada and international markets.

As delivery progresses, Jacobs will work with VIA Rail to introduce the next-generation fleet. Ultimately, the program is expected to strengthen reliability and accessibility while improving the overall passenger experience across Canada.