The Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and the City of Toronto have given the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) the go-ahead to pursue a single-source contract for new Line 2 subway trains with Alstom Transport Canada Inc.

According to a commission release, with U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty, the decision will support Canadian and Ontario workers with manufacturing jobs and ensure reliable trains for Toronto transit riders. The current competitive process for the trains has been cancelled, and all bidders have been notified.

To ensure that Alstom delivers trains at a fair market price, maximizes the creation of Canadian jobs, and benefits Toronto, Alstom must:

• Deliver a product that is compliant with the TTC’s original requirements.

• Maximize Canadian content and create Canadian jobs.

• Its pricing is subject to an independent third-party market price assessment.

It is expected that negotiations will occur over the next few months, with a report back to the TTC Board on the status of negotiations by the end of the year.

“To build the strongest economy in the G7, we need to ensure our investments are protecting jobs and championing industries right here in Canada,” said Minister of Housing and Infrastructure of Canada Gregor Robertson. “By partnering with Ontario, Toronto, and the TTC, we are delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable public transit and supporting good-paying jobs in Canada. We can all feel proud that these trains will be built for Canadians by Canadians.”

The base procurement is for 70 six-car train sets in total:

• 55 trains, jointly funded by the federal, provincial, and city governments, to replace aging trains on Line 2.

• 15 trains for the Yonge North and Scarborough extensions.

“Torontonians need fast and reliable transit. With our Line 2 subway cars coming to the end of their lifespan, we’re partnering with Provincial and Federal governments to buy new trains to keep TTC riders moving,” Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said. “Together, we’re building a better transit system and supporting Canadian workers and jobs in this challenging trade climate.”

The contract would include options to procure additional trains to meet future needs when funding is committed and subject to Alstom’s performance. The TTC is working on keeping the aging Line 2 fleet operating safely and reliably until new trains arrive.