Jacobs to support fleet modernization across Canada
Jacobs has been selected by VIA Rail Canada to provide technical advisory and program management support 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 designed to improve reliability, accessibility and the passenger experience across Canada.
Delivering one of North America’s largest passenger rail fleet renewals
The LDRR program is one of the largest passenger rail fleet renewal efforts currently underway in North America. The program includes more than 300 pieces of rolling stock, including locomotives, sleeper cars, diners and coach cars that will serve VIA Rail’s national network stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific and north to Hudson Bay.
Jacobs will support VIA Rail through the delivery phase of the program with services that include project management, engineering support, 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,” says Jacobs Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Growth and Sales, Canada, Heather MacDonald. “We understand the complexity of programs like this and we’re looking forward to continuing our work with VIA Rail as the project moves into delivery.”
Building on a long-standing partnership with VIA Rail
The work will be led from Montréal by Jacobs, supported by SYSTRA and rail specialists across Canada and internationally. With nearly a decade of collaboration alongside VIA Rail, Jacobs bring continuity from the Corridor Fleet Renewal Program, where we supported the procurement, manufacturing oversight, testing and entry into service of 32 new trainsets serving the Québec City to Windsor, Ontario corridor. Jacobs has also 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," says Marc-André Dupuis, Jacobs' Program Technical Lead for the LDRR program. "That continuity will help support a smooth transition from procurement into delivery as VIA Rail introduces this next generation fleet across its network."
Dominique Bérubé, Jacobs’ program manager for the project, highlights the importance of our long-standing relationship with VIA Rail.
“We’ve worked closely with VIA Rail over the recent years and that matters on a program of this scale,” Dominique shares. “We understand the operational environment, the stakeholders and pace required to move the program forward successfully.”
The program also builds on Jacobs’ broader rail and transit experience supporting complex passenger rail projects in Canada and globally.
As the program enters delivery, Jacobs will work with VIA Rail to support the introduction of a next-generation fleet into service, enhancing reliability, accessibility and the overall travel experience nationwide.
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