We’d like to thank our government partners for their contribution to the West Coast Express Locomotive Refurbishment Project.

Through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) both the federal and provincial governments are helping us improve the reliability of our fleet, and, therefore, the customer experience.

The project includes refurbishing the engines of six of the seven locomotives to extend their lifespan by 15 years. In addition, all head end power units, which provide heat and lighting to the passenger cars, will be replaced to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and allow operation of longer trains. To ensure there is no disruption in service, locomotives will be refurbished one at a time, with each locomotive tested, commissioned, and returned to service before work starts on the next locomotive.

This refurbishment will modernize our fleet and greatly improve the environmental performance of our locomotives. The new Tier 3 engines that will be installed in the refurbished locomotives will reduce emissions by up to 50 per cent. The will project will also deliver a more reliable locomotive service for our customers who rely on transit for their lengthy commute. An improved service allows people to choose transit, which helps reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

The project is expected to complete in 2024.

Read Infrastructure Canada’s news release to learn more.