en.Wedoany.com Reported - VIA Rail Canada has announced an investment of $150 million to modernize 56 of its Chateau and Manor series sleeper cars, with the project expected to be completed within five years. These cars primarily serve on flagship long-distance routes, "The Canadian" and "The Ocean," connecting Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Halifax.

The refurbishment targets 56 stainless steel passenger cars built by the Budd Company for the Canadian Pacific Railway in the mid-1950s, approximately 70 years old. The upgrades will include adjustments to interior configurations, overhauls of mechanical systems, and improvements to accessibility features. Specific details and contractor information have not yet been disclosed. Based on the total investment, the refurbishment cost per car is approximately $2.68 million.

Compared to purchasing new equipment, this life-extension strategy is more cost-effective. For instance, the UK's Caledonian Sleeper invested £150 million (approximately $255 million CAD) in 2019 to acquire 75 new sleeper cars, with a per-unit cost of around $3.4 million CAD. The manufacturing cost for new long-distance cars for Amtrak in the United States is also significantly higher than VIA Rail's current refurbishment budget.

VIA Rail stated that the investment aims to enhance the passenger experience and extend the service life of these iconic long-distance rail vehicles. Such refurbishments are a common practice among North American passenger operators to maintain long-distance services while avoiding the high capital expenditure of new equipment. Upon completion, the project will support the medium-term operation of routes like "The Canadian," but the replacement with a next-generation fleet remains subject to future planning.

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