VIA Rail has issued the request for qualifications (RFQ) phase of its search for a supplier to replace the rolling stock on its Quebec-Windsor corridor.
Funding for the replacement was included in the 2018 federal budget. The funding will enable VIA to procure an all-new rolling stock fleet with a total of 9100 passenger seats, improved accessibility features, improved wi-fi, more luggage capacity, more fuel-efficient engines (including the option to operate electrically in future) and the ability for trains to be bi-directional (push-pull mode).
“This important milestone of our transformation plan will convince more Canadians that VIA Rail is truly the smarter way to travel in the Quebec City-Windsor corridor,” said VIA Rail president and CEO Yves Desjardins-Siciliano.
The deadline for RFQ submissions is June 2. VIA will then issue a short list of suppliers be qualified to take part in the request for proposal (RFP) phase.
