Feds announce almost $2B for 45 hybrid battery-diesel Via Rail passenger locomotives
Ottawa says the project will create 1,200 full-time jobs and make North America’s first hybrid-powered passenger locomotives.
- On July 29, 2026, The Liberal government announced a nearly $2 billion investment to modernize Via Rail's fleet with 45 new hybrid battery-diesel passenger locomotives.
- Switzerland-Based Stadler will manufacture the fleet, with the first nine units built in Spain and the remaining 36 assembled in Montreal by Canadian workers.
- Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon announced $357 million for a new Montreal assembly plant built by Pomerleau, while ABB will supply batteries from its Saint-Laurent facility in Quebec.
- Supporting 1,200 full-time jobs, the project marks the first time in more than 25 years that passenger rail locomotive assembly has returned to Montreal.
- These trains will become North America's first hybrid-powered passenger locomotives, laying the groundwork for future zero-emission propulsion, with initial deliveries expected by 2031.
46 Articles
46 Articles
TVA Nouvelles
On Wednesday, the Carney government announced an investment of nearly $2 billion for new locomotives to be assembled in Montreal.
The federal government is announcing $1.6 billion for the construction of 45 new locomotives to replace VIA Rail's aging fleet.
Federal Government Announces $1.95B Investment In VIA Rail's Locomotive Fleet
MONTRÉAL — On Jul. 29, Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader for the Government in the House of Commons, joined by Mathieu Paquette, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of VIA Rail Canada announced a $1.95 billion Government of Canada investment to renew VIA Rail’s long-distance, regional and remote locomotive fleet. The investment includes: $1.6 billion for the production of 45 new locomotives by Stadler, a Swiss rail ma…
The construction of a new assembly and maintenance facility in Montreal is one of the plans.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
