Toronto orders 70 new subway trains in major boost for Canadian rail jobs

Alstom has secured a major new contract with the Toronto Transit Commission to supply a new generation of subway trains, marking a significant investment in the future of Toronto’s rapid transit network and Canada’s rail manufacturing sector.

The agreement, valued at 2.3 billion Canadian dollars, covers the delivery of 70 New Subway Trains, with options allowing for up to 150 additional trainsets if required. The order will see the introduction of six-car Metropolis metro trains designed to modernise and expand capacity across the system.

Under the deal, 55 of the new trains will replace the ageing fleet currently operating on Line 2, while a further 15 are earmarked for network expansion projects. These include the planned extension of Line 1 to Yonge North and the extension of Line 2 to Scarborough, supporting future growth of Toronto’s subway system.

The new trains are being billed as a significant step forward in comfort, safety and accessibility. Features include brighter and more spacious interiors, open gangways between cars, and multi-purpose areas designed to accommodate wheelchair users, pushchairs and bicycles. Passengers will also benefit from energy-efficient lighting, smart onboard technology such as active levelling systems and wireless smartphone charging, alongside the latest cybersecurity protections. Sustainability has also been built into the design, with advanced propulsion systems, intelligent climate control and eco-design processes intended to reduce environmental impact throughout the trains’ lifecycle.

Design and engineering work will take place in Canada, with final assembly carried out at Alstom’s manufacturing facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The company said it will invest further in local production capabilities and draw heavily on its domestic supply chain, including the use of Canadian-produced carbon steel and aluminium. The programme is expected to strengthen national rail manufacturing expertise, renew onshore industrial capacity and improve resilience against future trade disruption.

In total, the project is forecast to create up to 945 direct, high-skilled jobs across Canada, including more than 600 positions at Alstom. A further 1,700 indirect jobs are expected to be generated to support the wider supply chain and project workforce.

The agreement follows collaboration between the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto, with the shared aim of delivering reliable subway services while supporting Canadian jobs and manufacturing.

Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas said:

“We thank the Toronto Transit Commission for their trust in Alstom to supply the new metro trains. These state-of-the-art trains will contribute to improving reliability and passenger’s comfort. This new fleet of metro trains will be designed and engineered here in Canada, assembled in our Thunder Bay site, supported by an expanded network of local suppliers, and tested in our Kingston site. With close to 1,000 Canadian jobs created, these NSTs set the bar for what it means to build in Canada, for Canadians”.

TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali said:

“The TTC is grateful to all funding partners for their support for these new subway trains, and for their commitment to providing better transit for the hundreds of thousands of riders who use the TTC’s Line 2 every day. We are also pleased that these trains will support Canadian jobs and content through Alstom in Thunder Bay.”

Image: Alstom