VIA Rail considers four train manufacturers for new rail fleet

VIA Rail Canada Inc. earlier this week unveiled a list of four companies chosen to participate in a request for proposals (RFP) to replace the railroad's rolling stock along the Quebec City-Windsor corridor.

The qualified companies are Bombardier Transportation Canada Inc., Siemens Canada Ltd., Stadler US Inc. and Talgo Inc.

The firms responded to VIA Rail's request for qualifications issued in April. The railroad evaluated respondents' applications based on technical quality, financial capabilities and any potential conflicts of interest.

The companies have until Oct. 5 to submit a proposal, VIA Rail officials said in a press release.

The new trainsets are slated to enter service in 2022.

"By inviting four world-class train manufacturers to participle in the RFP to replace our corridor fleet, we have reached an important milestone of our transformation plan to lead Canadians towards a more sustainable future," said Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, VIA Rail's president and chief executive officer.

Meanwhile, the railroad tapped Patrick Molinari to serve as ethics commissioner for the procurement process to replace the Quebec City-Windsor fleet. He'll review and investigate allegations of misconduct, wrongdoings or unethical behavior.

A professor emeritus at the University of Montreal, Molinari practices government affairs and public law at Lavery, a Montreal-based firm.