Alstom and Metrolinx signed a new agreement to overhaul and modernise 181 bi-level rail cars for GO Transit, the regional public transit service for the Greater Golden Horseshoe in Ontario, Canada.
The framework agreement is valued at approximately 500 million CAD (approximately EUR 340 million), subject to the final terms of the agreement, as the contract is expected to be signed and booked during the fourth quarter of FY 2024/25.
Mid-life overhaul and upgrades of the bi-level series VIII cars, originally built between 2008 and 2015, will begin by 2026 at Alstom’s facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and will support approximately 250 high-skilled jobs until at least 2030.
Improvements to the car interiors will include the installation of outlets with USB ports, updates to panelling and flooring, replacement of customer seating, new accessible lavatories, and energy-saving LED lighting. These upgraded coaches will ensure Metrolinx has the rail fleet available to support service enhancements, including the ongoing GO expansion programme, for which Alstom is also a selected partner, with the goal of alleviating congestion and driving up customer satisfaction in providing faster, more frequent and convenient train service in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).
“We thank the Government of Ontario and Metrolinx for their renewed trust and confidence and for recognising the unique expertise of our team in Thunder Bay, who are the best positioned to upgrade cars they originally manufactured,” Michael Keroullé, President, Alstom Americas said.
The distinctive green-and-white GO Transit bi-level rail cars have all have been built in Alstom’s Thunder Bay facility for almost 50 years. Under a contract signed in 2021, Alstom is already Metrolinx selected supplier for the refurbishment of 94 Series VII bi-level rail cars and has maintained GO Transit’s fleet of cars and locomotives for over 25 years. In addition, Alstom has operated GO Transit’s commuter rail network for over a decade, including supplying train crews and providing customer service, on more than 500 km of track across seven lines.
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