This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
While waiting for high-frequency trains (TGF) and high-speed trains (TGV) to finally arrive here, what can we consider in the shorter term? Here are some tips for planning future rail adventures.
A hydrogen train between Quebec and Charlevoix this summer
From June 17 until September 30, it will be possible to travel on board the train Coradia iLint of Alstom, which runs entirely on hydrogen, between Parc de la Chute-Montmorency and Baie-Saint-Paul. “It’s the first in the Americas,” proudly announces Nancy Belley, general manager of the Train de Charlevoix.
Carried out thanks to a partnership between Alstom, the Government of Quebec, the Charlevoix Network, Chemin de fer Charlevoix, HTEC and Harnois Énergies, which will produce hydrogen in Quebec, the project will also be an opportunity to raise passenger awareness of this type of transportation. “Everything is new,” says M.me Belley. We want to take advantage of this period to educate and popularize. In particular, there will be an exhibition on hydrogen in the stations and videos on board the train. »
This project comes at a time when the Train de Charlevoix needs to renew its fleet. Why try a hydrogen train? “These trains will be relevant for cul-de-sacs and more remote areas. Green energy is really electricity, but electrifying an end of line would be too expensive. A full tank of hydrogen can have a range of 1075 kilometres. »
The convoy of the French group Alstom only emits water vapor and condensed water. Besides the ecological aspect, what makes it stand out? “It does not make noise, underlines Mr.me Belley. It’s a newer train, so it’s also visually different. […] It really changes the entire customer experience. »
Two round-trip packages from Quebec aboard the green convoy are already offered: a simply called “Hydrogen train”, which will allow you to spend the day in Baie-Saint-Paul, and “Eco-agro-tourism” , which also includes agritourism tours in the Charlevoix region by bus. Two other diesel trains will continue to provide services to La Malbaie during the summer.
Beyond tourism, the director of Train de Charlevoix foresees a great complementarity of customers for this type of transport. “With an aging population in the region, we have to think about it. »
Montreal-New York this spring?
What’s going on with Amtrak’s Adirondack train, on hiatus for nearly two years? If, like the author of these lines, you dream of traveling again to the Big Apple by rail, it is better to take your troubles patiently: no precise return date has yet been announced. Personnel issues appear to be at the heart of this shutdown.
“Amtrak is committed to restoring service on the Adirondack between New York and Montreal, including all stops in between, as soon as possible,” said Jason Abrams, director of public relations for Amtrak. The hiring and training of personnel, both for on-board service and for mechanics, are currently underway, he says. “All employees must be qualified according to Federal Railroad Administration requirements. »
Maintenance work is also carried out in collaboration with the New York Congress delegation and its partners, Canadian National and Canadian Pacific. “While service won’t be back until at least the spring of 2023, we’re working to resolve these issues to ensure we can restore it in the safest and most efficient way possible.” »
Although the journey is much longer by train than by car – around ten hours compared to approximately seven by road – rail travel offers a completely different perspective. In addition to departing from downtown Montreal and arriving in the heart of New York, passengers pass through otherwise inaccessible areas.
At this time when the slow travel attracts more and more followers, let’s hope that the wait will not stretch too much.
Other getaways in Quebec
No need to travel the lines from one end to the other to enjoy a train getaway. In addition to the classic Montreal-Quebec, various sectors of the Mauricie are accessible without a car. There are stations in Shawinigan, Grand-Mère, Saint-Tite and La Tuque, among others. Some bed and breakfasts, hotels and outfitters even offer to pick you up at the train station. It is also possible to rent a car on site. Get inspired by browsing the Tourisme Mauricie and Tourisme La Tuque sites!
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, relating to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.