TORONTO — Ontario transit agency Metrolinx has signed an agreement with Alstom to overhaul 181 bilevel railcars for Toronto-area commuter rail operator GO Transit.
The agreement, valued at approximately Ca$500 million ($347 million U.S.), calls for overhauls and modernization of the Series VIII cars to be conducted at Alstom’s Thunder Bay, Ont., plant beginning by 2026 and continuing through 2030 on railcars built by Bombardier — now part of Alstom — between 2008 and 2015. The contract will support approximately 250 jobs. The latest agreement follows one signed in 2021 to refurbish 94 Series VII bilevels. Alstom or predecessor Bombardier has held the maintenance contract for the GO Transit equipment for more than 25 years, and has been the contract operator for the commuter service for more than a decade.
“Extending the life of these coaches is a vital part of our plan for faster and more frequent GO rail service, supporting the demands of our rapidly growing region, Michael Lindsay, interim CEO of Metrolinx, said in a press release. “With industry-leading amenities on board, these revived coaches will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable customer journey for years to come.”
The contract calls for new seating, installation of outlets with USB Ports, new accessible restrooms, LED lighting, and updates to panelling and flooring.
“We thank the Government of Ontario and Metrolinx for their renewed trust and confidence and for recognizing the unique expertise of our team in Thunder Bay, who are the best positioned to upgrade cars they originally manufactured,” said Michael Keroullé, president, Alstom Americas.
The contract is expected to be finalized and signed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024-25. The Metrolinx fiscal year extends from April to March.
