VIA participated in the development of the Code, along with consumer representatives and government. VIA must not be allowed to ignore Canada's laws and other provisions designed to achieve a barrier free Canada. The Minister made a commitment to the disability community in April 2000 affirming that VIA's rolling stock, which is being purchased with the tax payer dollars, would be accessible. VIA should not be allowed to waste tax payer dollars by purchasing out-moded equipment which does not meet the needs of all Canadians. Rail continues to be an important mode of transportation for many Canadians.
Many seniors use rail travel for recreational purposes.
If the rail system becomes less accessible than it currently is, with the addition of these new cars, then Canadians with disabilities will be put at a disadvantage. The acquisition of new rolling stock should move Canada closer to becoming a barrier free environment. Consumers who have toured these new rail cars maintain that in their present state, they would make Canada's rail system less accessible than it currently is. Rolling stock must meet certain requirements with regard to safety. Engineer Glenn Thomas Fisher suggests that the Nightstock cars present a safety risk.