Bombardier wins $473M Toronto subway car contract

Bombardier Transportation won a contract worth $473 million to build 234 subway cars for the Toronto Transit Commission. The base contract for the cars is valued at approximately $431 million and the TTC has opted to purchase spares and additional equipment as part of the deal, bringing the total value of the contract to $473 million. Manufacturing and final assembly of the vehicles will be carried out at Bombardier Transportation production facilities in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Delivery of the cars is scheduled to take place between 2009 and 2011. The next-generation subway cars will provide a range of new features for passengers, including: - Open gangways allowing riders to walk freely from one end of the train to the other. The TTC cars will be the first in North America to offer this configuration. - An electronic information system, which includes automated audio station announcements and an “active” subway map that will show direction of travel, tell riders which station is next and identify which side of the train doors will open at the station. - New security features, including onboard cameras and a two-way intercom system connecting passengers with the driver. - Increased reliability.