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HISTORICAL ROOTS OF CANADA’S RAILWAY 47
leaving them as essentially freight-only railway companies. Contracts bound them to supply upkeep services and train crews, as well as right-of-way on their tracks for the newly-fashioned passenger trains. For the irst time, a nationwide rail company devoted to passenger service was off
and running.
he 21st Century
Following the tribulations of the latter half of the last century, the 21st Century ofers a very diferent and much brighter future for passenger rail. VIA Rail
has become an essential part of the turnaround. A viable commercial entity, it continuously innovates and, in the process, has convinced millions of people that trains are as VIA Rail’s motto states: “he More Human Way to Travel.”
he Billion-Dollar Transformation
he impetus behind the transformation
of Canada’s passenger rail services came
in 2007, when the federal government announced its plan to strengthen them through a $516 million investment over ive years. he value of the investment was increased by $407 million from 2009 as part of the government’s Economic Action Plan. Armed with a total of $923 million, VIA Rail’s Capital Investment Projects includes hundreds of programs designed to enhance the train travel experience, through environmental and efficiency improvements, increased accessibility, and improved safety and security.