If VIA were to phase out the herritage cars in 10-15 year what do you think they might go for? Would it be superliners or a single level fleet manufactured by bombardier or soem company in Europe?
Interesting question. If and when VIA decides to replace the Budd stainless steel transcontinental fleet, what is chosen would depend a lot on cost and what is available.
VIA was interested in purchasing new Superliners back in the early 80's before deciding to rebuild the current fleet (plus some ex-US Budd cars) instead. The new Renaissance cars purchased in 2000 from Alstom that were originally built for the cancelled Nightstar UK & European serivce was a too-good-to-be-true opportunity that likely won't be repeated. There are still about 30 of these cars in storage yet to be completed. Recently VIA also picked up a small number of used dome cars and lounge cars from the defunct BC Rail passenger operations.
Next time, who knows? It could be more used equipment, either as-is or to be rebuilt, or something built new. I think Bombardier would be the odds-on favourite for either new or rebuilt cars.