VIA Rail: First ridership, revenue growth in seven years

VIA Rail released its annual report on May 6, 2016, and for the first time in seven years, posted both ridership and revenue gains.

Total passenger-miles were up by some 1.7% year over year, buoyed by a rising trend line in the second half of the year that has continued into 2016. Revenues continued to show a year-over-year improvement, increasing by 6.2% compared to the year prior. As a result, VIA Rail’s requirement for government operating funding decreased by 11.7% compared to the previous year, $13 million less than planned.

From the Annual Report: “There are many reasons to be optimistic, including the focus that our Government has on strengthening the Canadian economy through job-creating investments and sustainable transportation,” said Eric Stefanson, VIA Rail’s former Interim Chairman. “This year, the Government of Canada confirmed additional capital funding of $102 million for VIA Rail. This investment will be used to improve the infrastructure VIA Rail owns, as well as services in and around the Ottawa area. Keeping Canadians mobile is imperative to a strong and healthy economy.”

VIA Rail listed these milestones from the past year:

• New mobile application and redesigned Web site (www.viarail.ca).

• Launched Instagram profile.

• Launched SMS/Email Train Alert Service.

• Full implementation of Prestige Class on The Canadian.

• New 50/50 seat configuration Economy Class cars enter service.

• Intermodal partnership between VIA Rail and Union Pearson Express.

• New Canrailpass introduced.

• Railway Association of Canada Safety Award.

• Honorable Mention for Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) from the Risk Management Society (RIMS).

• More Ocean departures added for Holiday season.