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ONTC awarded $350 million Rail Refurbishment Contract

It’s a rail refurbishment contract that secures jobs at Ontario Northland for the next several years.

That from Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation as he announced over $350 million to refurbish 121 Go Transit bi-level rail cars for Metrolinx. “When Northern Ontario succeeds, we all succeed,” he says. “This agreement will benefit the community and the economy right here in North Bay for decades to come.”

The refurbished rail cars will be equipped with new interior finishings, such as seating, flooring, walls, and ceilings, as well as new doors and HVAC control system.

“As part of our government’s plan to build Ontario, we’ll continue to support local industry while enhancing public transit across the province,” says Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing.

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The contract will extend the life of the refurbished GO Transit cars by 20 years.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the government of Ontario and Metrolinx on these important refurbishment projects,” says Chad Evans, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Northland. “Our commitment to excellence continues to attract business to our Remanufacturing and Repair Centre that has resulted in job creation and job stability for our employees and continues to drive economic growth throughout the region.”

Minister Sarkaria also says Ontario is building a great reputation for refurbishing bi-level cars.

“You can count on probably seeing many other transit jurisdictions looking to places like North Bay to refurbish and expand the lifespan of their cars as well,” he says.

The new contract is on top of a current partnership with Metrolinx to refurbish 56 Bi-Level II coach fleet.

Ontario Northland is also refurbishing 13 locomotives that the province purchased from Southern California’s Regional Rail Authority.

They’ll be used to provide GO Transit with operational support and spare parts.