Via Rail Canada, which operates intercity passenger rail service in Canada and is famed for its scenic trails, has launched a special exterior design for one of its new Québec City-Windsor corridor trains. 

In a press statement, Via Rail says it has launched Lumi, a unique train experience in its new corridor fleet, which bears Via Rail’s classic monochrome yellow with its signature linear lines. It will be in service by the end of August with a complete replacement of all trains on the corridor expected by summer 2025.

Brigitte Dagnault

“Lumi is another way to celebrate the arrival of our new fleet and to let even more people know that they can now enjoy an unparalleled onboard experience thanks to these new modern and state-of-the-art trains. Simple and efficient, the monochrome yellow, our brand’s signature colour, is a bold brand play that will stand out in the Canadian landscape,” says Brigitte Dagnault, Via Rail’s Chief Communications and Marketing Officer. 

The rail company says that Lumi will be the only new train with this unique exterior design and acts as a reminder of the beginning of a new era for passenger rail. 

The company adds that as others have done when introducing a new fleet, Via Rail wanted to make a strong gesture by differentiating one of its trains with a special exterior design.

The statement adds that Lumi’s bright design makes it stand out among the new fleet, evoking memories of the Turbo Train’s appearance, which operated between Montréal and Toronto until 1982.

“When people arrive at stations and see Lumi, we want them to feel proud and excited about the modernisation of our trains. We are looking at different alternatives, but we would like the experience on board Lumi to stand out a bit, perhaps with a few surprises for our passengers,” adds Dagnault.

“We are continuously focussed on offering an exceptional experience from reservation to destination, one that will become a core memory of our customers’ travels. Lumi is part of that vision,” she adds.

Via Rail says that Lumi trains will be in service by the end of August and its tests will start within days between Ottawa and Montréal.