Alstom signed a new agreement with Metrolinx to overhaul and modernize 181 bi-level commuter railcars for GO Transit, the regional public transit service for the Greater Golden Horseshoe in Ontario, Canada. 

The framework agreement is valued at approximately $3.5 million, subject to the final terms of the agreement.

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.

“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. “We are proud to continue delivering a refreshed and modernized fleet with state-of-the-art passenger amenities to enhance the experience of transit users in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.” 

Alstrom and Metrolinx

The distinctive green-and-white GO Transit cars 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 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 310 miles of track across seven lines.

“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,” said Michael Lindsay, interim president and CEO, Metrolinx. “With industry-leading amenities on board, these revived coaches will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable customer journey for years to come.” 

Updating the Coaches

Improvements to the car interiors will include the installation of outlets with USB ports, updates to paneling 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 program with the goal of alleviating congestion and driving up customer satisfaction in providing faster, more frequent and convenient train servicer in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.