Alstom, in partnership with Metrolinx, welcomed the commissioning of 18 Citadis light-rail vehicles (LRVs) on Toronto’s Finch West Light Rapid Transit (LRT) line. 

The Finch West LRT marks a significant step forward in delivering sustainable, efficient transit to Toronto’s growing communities, all powered by Alstom’s commitment to innovation and Canadian expertise.

Connecting via Transit

The Citadis LRVs will operate on an entirely new line, with a dedicated right-of-way separated from traffic. 

The line is 6.4 miles long; it has 16 stops and two stations: the Finch West station in the east and the Humber College Station in the west. It is connected to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Line 1 Finch West subway station via a pedestrian portal. 

The project will cut down travel time and increase transit reliability. The Finch West LRT project is part of the Ontario government’s multibillion-dollar investment in public transit systems that will help connect Ontarians via transit for generations.

Toronto’s New LRVs

Made by Alstom at its Brampton facility and tested at its Kingston site, each Citadis vehicle offers a spacious design, accommodating up to 300 passengers comfortably while being fully accessible for strollers and people with mobility needs.

The 100% low-floor Citadis vehicle is designed for the Canadian market and capable of operating in winter conditions down to -38°C. They are fitted with winterized systems to ensure operational performance and optimize passenger comfort and experience through reinforced insulation, powerful HVAC, and snow and ice management, said Alstom officials.

To date, Alstom has delivered more than 8,000 Citadis LRVs to 140 cities in more than 30 countries worldwide. 

Manufacturing the Vehicles

Vehicle assembly for the Finch LRV took place in Brampton from 2020 to 2024. At peak production, this contract supported over 180 jobs in Ontario and expanded the size of a critical workforce for the growing rail sector. 

Over the last few months, Alstom has worked with its partners at Metrolinx and the TTC to test, maintain, and prepare for the launch of these modern, efficient vehicles. Alstom is also responsible for the maintenance of the cars, the track, and the catenary system for the next 30 years.