VIA Rail has shown that it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and do so in a significant way. According to the company’s 2015 Sustainable Mobility report, the passenger train operator has reduced its emissions by one-quarter over the last 6 years.
"Passenger rail services play a leading role as a smart way for travelers to support healthy communities, promote a thriving economy and help Canadians transition to a lower-carbon economy," said Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, president and CEO at VIA Rail. "Our commitment to sustainable mobility is the outcome of several years of effort coupled with the firm belief that innovation should be made to serve the cause of a more sustainable future for the generations to come.”
VIA plans even more work down the road.
“Additionally, our 2020 Sustainable Mobility Strategy proposes a passenger transport dedicated track project that would enable us to increase traffic on our trains while also reducing road congestion and emissions of greenhouse gases and toxic atmospheric contaminants, while creating thousands of jobs for Canadians… all this while minimizing the impact on the taxpayers of this country and giving them an opportunity to invest in a transformative project through their pension plans,” added Desjardins-Siciliano.
As Canada's national passenger rail service, VIA Rail is proud to be one of the most environmentally friendly inter-city modes of travel. Despite the inherent benefits of the train, the company makes every effort to minimize the effects of its operations on the environment by improving its fuel efficiency, using its resources more efficiently and partnering with suppliers to encourage greener products and services.
Since 2009, VIA Rail has reduced the intensity of its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% through innovative fleet upgrades, fuel-efficient technologies and behavioural changes. VIA Rail has also committed to fight climate change, as a member of the International Union of Railways (UIC).
The full report can be viewed at: viarail.ca/sites/all/files/media/pdfs/SUSTAINABLE_MOBILITY_REPORT_2015.pdf