Revenue also increased by 4.9% year-on-year to $C 94.3m ($US 70.6m), helping the operator to achieve its 21st consecutive quarter of growth. It was the 14th successive quarter of ridership improvement.
In total, Via Rail’s passenger services carried 1.2 million passengers in the quarter. Growth was particularly apparent on regional services (13.7%), with the reinstatement of the Winnipeg - Churchill service a major contributing factor. In addition, ridership and revenue on the Quebec City - Windsor corridor increased by 6.3% and 6.7% respectively.
Towards the end of the quarter, Via Rail received $C 71.1m in funding from the Canadian government and Canada Infrastructure Bank to further explore the proposal to develop high-frequency rail services along the Quebec City - Toronto corridor. Via Rail president and CEO, Ms Cynthia Garneau, described the funding as a “critical step forward in bringing Via Rail’s vision for high-frequency rail to fruition.”
Other quarter highlights include the continuation of concept and design, including livery, for the operator’s new fleet. Via Rail selected Siemens to deliver 32 inter-city trains under a $C 989m contract in December 2018.
