Rocky Mountaineer announces a major contract agreement with CANARAIL for revitalized rolling stock

Rocky Mountaineer and CANARAIL's recent contract agreement has sparked the revitalization of the luxury tourist rail company's GoldLeaf fleet. — Photo courtesy Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer, which travels through the spectacular Kootenay Rockies region, and CANARAIL recently announced a contract agreement to revitalize the luxury tourist rail company's GoldLeaf fleet consisting of sixteen (16) bi-level domed cars. Once this strategic project is completed, new and returning travelers will experience an even more luxurious journey through the Pacific Northwest and Canadian Rockies. Acting as the prime contractor, CANARAIL will be responsible for the delivery of the entire program and will direct the operations from its Montreal based office.

"This is the largest capital investment in Rocky Mountaineer's 25 year history. Considerable research and planning has gone into this project, with the singular goal of delighting our guests with the changes to our most luxurious class of rail cars, said Gord Miller, Vice President of Rail Operations and Asset Development, Rocky Mountaineer. We evaluated many prospective partners and selected CANARAIL because of its expertise in the sector and track record of innovation".

Based on the success of the pilot project completed in 2013 and the extremely positive feedback from travelers, an agreement was made to refurbish the entire fleet. Most of the work will be accomplished in the Gaspé region in Quebec. The work will consist of full engineering and design work of various components (interior design, lighting, plumbing, installation of state of the art seating, electrical work and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems). The work is expected to be completed in 2018.

"We are thrilled to be working with Rocky Mountaineer on this project, said Miguel Valero, president & CEO, CANARAIL. Historically, our team began working with Rocky Mountaineer as an engineering service provider. We have now become a trusted and reliable partner to assist Rocky Mountaineer in reaching this significant milestone. We are very happy to solidify our partnership as we are both international companies, headquartered in Canada, sharing a commitment to quality and customer focus.''

ABOUT ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

2015 marks the 25th Anniversary for Rocky Mountaineer and the company has a lot to celebrate. Since its inception in 1990, Rocky Mountaineer has grown to be the largest privately owned luxury tourist train in the world and is considered by many as the only way to see the Canadian Rockies. In the past 25 years, the train has welcomed more than 1.5 million guests from around the globe. With over 45 vacation packages, five unique rail routes, and iconic destinations such as Seattle, WA, Vancouver and Whistler, BC, and the majestic Canadian Rockies in Alberta, there is a journey for anyone looking for a life changing experience. The world renowned train travels by daylight through the diverse landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada while guests relish in the breathtaking views of tumbling waterfalls, glacier-capped mountains, and wildlife of the regions. Rocky Mountaineer has received numerous international awards and accolades for service excellence, including eight World Travel Awards for both "World's Leading Travel Experience By Train" and "World's Leading Luxury Train." In 2013, it was also recognized as one of the world's "Dream Trips" by the prestigious Travel + Leisure magazine.

ABOUT CANARAIL

Founded in 1991, CANARAIL is a Quebec-based rail consulting and engineering firm that specializes in mining, heavy haul freight, and urban domains. CANARAIL is known for its expertise in feasibility studies, consulting, detailed design, and the supervision of construction of major projects, for every components of a railway project: infrastructure, rolling stock, systems, operations, etc. Over the last 25 years, CANARAIL has participated in over 800 projects in Canada, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, North America, Australia, Europe, and Latin America (can be viewed on canarail.com). CANARAIL, headquartered in Montreal, has around 100 employees.