Toronto Orders New Subway Train Fleet

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has awarded a $1.66 billion (C$2.3 billion) contract to Alstom for the supply of 70 six-car subway trains. The contract also includes options for another 150 trains.

TTC will deploy 55 of the Metropolis trains on Subway Line 2, replacing the existing fleet. The other 15 trains will provide the additional fleet capacity needed to serve the under-construction extensions of Line 2 to Scarborough and Line 1 to Yong North.

The new trains will be designed and engineered in Canada, with final assembly taking place at Alstom’s Thunder Bay facility and testing at its Kingston site. TTC confirmed that 55% of the content used to manufacture the trains will be sourced from Canadian suppliers and that procurement is the first under the Canadian government’s new Buy Canadian Policy. The contract is expected to create up to 945 high-paying jobs in Canada, including more than 600 at Alstom, along with more than 1,700 indirect jobs.

Alstom says the trains incorporate eco-design features such as an advanced propulsion system, smart air-conditioning controls, and the use of virtual reality design tools that will collectively improve sustainability and reduce environmental impact across the entire product lifecycle. The new trains will also feature energy-efficient lighting and wireless smartphone charging.

The Canadian government confirmed that it will increase its previous $545 million (C$758 million) commitment towards the cost of procuring the 55 trains for Line 2 to $648.2 million (C$950.9 million), a contribution that the government of Ontario will match.

Separately, TTC on Jan. 13 celebrated its 60th new LRV entering service, completing delivery of the Alstom Flexity low-floor vehicles ordered in 2021.