Via Rail is moving to replace its aging trains on the main Canadian corridor – after federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced government funding today.

Via now says it will launch a request for qualifications – leading to a request for proposals.

The unspecified funding for the national passenger service was included in the recent federal budget.

The new  trains are expected to be in service by 2022 – and Via says they will reduce environmental emissions – with more fuel-efficient engines.

They’ll also offer enhanced accessibility for visually, hearing and physically impaired passengers – and improve on-time performance because there’ll be fewer mechanical breakdowns.