Jul 20 2010
New upscale rail travel on the “Canadian”
Last fall VIA Rail Canada announced a $19.5 million program for the reconfiguration of 12 of the stylish stainless steel passenger cars used on its western transcontinental train, the Canadian, to increase its accessibility and market appeal. The work is being funded from the $407 million allocated for passenger rail improvements under the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.According to Steve Del Bosco, Chief, Marketing and Sales for VIA Rail, work is on track on the complete redesign and rebuilding of VIA’s eight Chateau sleeping cars and four Park sleeper-dome-lounge cars with project completion slated for 2011. “The work involved in the modernization and major upgrading of this classic rolling stock is extensive but well worth it,” Del Bosco explained. “This investment will enable the Canadian to attract the growing clientele who are seeking more upscale travel experiences.”
The eight Chateau sleeping cars will be reconfigured with an all-new arrangement of six upscale cabins designed to accommodate up to three passengers each.Each sleeping cabin will be completely self-contained and will include an en-suite washroom plus a separate shower. The new cabins will also feature wood paneling, sofa seating, a widescreen television and controls to enable passengers to raise or lower the beds whenever they desire. This elegant new design promises to position the Canadian at the forefront of new chic travel experiences available to discerning travelers.
“This program will also substantially increase the train’s accessibility for travelers with special needs,” explained Del Bosco. The four existing Park car bedrooms will be replaced by two large upscale cabins. One will be identical to those in the rebuilt Chateau sleeping cars. The other will be an extra-large, fully-accessible cabin. It will provide separate, fully-accessible washroom and shower facilities. Each Park car will also feature an onboard wheelchair lift.
“The Canadian, as a living legend, will continue to offer thousands of travelers from around the world the ultimate in safe, stylish and sustainable rail travel as it has done for more than a half-century,” said Del Bosco. More information on the Capital Investment program is available at viarail.ca.
www.newscanada.com
Give us your rating of this article below!













