Stadler will Build VIA's new LDRR Locomotives

 

Waiting with bated breath, VIA employees enjoy an unplanned moment of peace before the political storm descends upon them (top photo). Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon was at VIA's Montreal Maintenance Centre today, July 29, to announce the builder of locomotives for VIA's new Long Distance Regional Remote fleet. From the press release:

"The government is providing $1.6 billion for the production of 45 new locomotives by Stadler, a leading Swiss rail manufacturer with a global centre of competence facility for mainline locomotives in Spain. Leveraging its global supply chain and Canadian suppliers, Stadler will complete the final assembly of up to 36 locomotives in Canada, marking the first time in decades that passenger locomotives for VIA Rail will be assembled domestically. An additional $357 million will also be provided for VIA Rail to build a new assembly and maintenance facility in Montréal, Quebec, where the Canadian assembly of the locomotives will take place. Built by Pomerleau, the facility will also support the maintenance and operation of the new fleet at VIA Rail’s Montréal Maintenance Centre over the long term.

Together, these investments will support the equivalent of 1,200 full-time jobs throughout the project, including skilled manufacturing, construction, engineering and long-term maintenance jobs, with significant economic benefits centred in Montréal and extending across Canada's rail supply chain."

The first hybrid Eurolight locomotive will arrive in 2031, built in Spain. The remaining 36 will be built at the Montreal facility that will take three years to build. I don't really believe timelines, so the final locomotive will be delivered...later.

VIA was quick to load its social media accounts with phanciful photos:

Zipping along, locomotive 2501 (above) and two MU'd units rounding Morant's Curve on CP through the Rockies, a line VIA hasn't operated for over three decades. And...are...those...Budd...Canadian...cars?

Passing Churchill station. Slow down! Less than a mile of track and you'll end up in Hudson Bay!

VIA's Instagram version:

After the announcement and Q&A, blue T-shirt guy presses towards the politicians, VIA and Stadler executives. Perhaps trying to embarrass Minister MacKinnon, the audio had already been cut, but T-shirt guy's mouth is definitely moving. Four security agents show him the exterior of the MMC shortly thereafter.

Worst past the post...

You can't spell VIA without AI. Well, sort of. Anyway, this is slopful and slothful: