VIA Rail Canada Commits to Reducing Environmental Footprint

Photo via Via Rail Canada Facebook page

In concert with 65 members of the International Union of Railways (UIC), VIA Rail Canada has said that it is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and developing more sustainable transportation practises.

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VIA Rail’s President and CEO, Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, has said the company plans to:

• Reduce energy consumption and CO2 emission;

• Work closely with key stakeholders to stimulate a “modal shift” in national and international markets

• Increase awareness of the importance of sustainable transportation with respect to climate change, by actively communicating Via Rail’s climate-friendly initiatives.

 • Regularly report data on VIA Rail’s energy consumption and CO2 emissions to the UIC.

The announcement drew praise from Canada's newly appointed Minister of Transport, the Hon. Marc Garneau.

“I would like to congratulate VIA Rail for taking the Railway Climate Responsibility Pledge to reduce its carbon footprint and limit climate change. Climate change is increasing pressure to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and find new transportation technologies that significantly increase efficiency. By reducing the impact of rail transportation on the environment, VIA Rail is working to protect our planet and the health of Canadians.”

VIA Rail will continue to implement new and manage existing environmentally friendly initiatives in many areas, including energy efficiency in its offices as well as resource management in tis operational facilities. With fuel consumption having such a large impact on greenhouse gas emissions, significant measures are also being made to improve fuel efficiency.

“VIA Rail can play an instrumental role as a change agent by raising awareness to help mitigate the environmental damage caused by climate change," said Mr. Desjardins-Siciliano. “VIA Rail has long been promoting the eco-friendly attributes of the train which complement its recognized advantages of accessibility, affordability, safety and comfort.”

Through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, Via Rail also plans to reinforce its commitment to open, transparent and accountable business practises.

The company, which is mulling new routes in various regions, has also said that it plans to maximise frequencies on current routes and it will continue to make its major passenger rail corridors more efficient.

“This approach will increase the relevancy of train services to the communities we serve and ensure that more people choose to ride our trains over using their cars. By doing so, VIA Rail will leverage its considerable assets, reduce its dependency on government funding and help reduce road congestion which in the Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto corridor is costing the Canadian economy close to $10B per year in productivity. Most importantly, the growth of passenger rail will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions", said Mr.Desjardins-Siciliano.

Via Rail Canada employs some 2,500 people and is mandated to provide safe, efficient and economical passenger transportation service, in both of Canada’s official languages. With its intercity, regional and transcontinental trains, Via Rail connects more than 400 communities across Canada and transports nearly four million passengers annually. The corporation has received seven Safety Awards by the Railway Association of Canada in the last eight years and it was the recipient of the 2012 Agent's Choice Award voted by Canadian travel agents and presented by Baxter Travel Media. Since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested almost a billion dollars in VIA Rail.

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