GO Transit to receive 36 additional Bombardier BiLevel coaches

Sept. 11, 2019

The cars will be manufactured at Bombardier’s Thunder Bay facility.

David Van der Wee, COO, Americas Region, Bombardier Transportation, made the announcement to the company's Thunder Bay workforce that the facility will build 36 additional BiLevel coaches for GO Transit service.

Metrolinx and Bombardier Transportation have reached an agreement to extend Metrolinx’s contract for an additional 36 BiLevel cars, according to the Ontario government.

The cars, which will consist of 31 standard and five accessible cars, will be manufactured at Bombardier’s Thunder Bay plant and will provide more than 6,000 additional seats for GO Transit customers. GO Transit recently added or extended service on three lines as part of its wider effort to transform the GO network into a comprehensive two-way, all-day rapid transit system.

"Buying more GO Transit BiLevel vehicles is important as we continue to rapidly increase service. Our government is committed to building the transportation network Ontario needs, while supporting good jobs,” said Ontario Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney.

The new cars will include Bombardier's Orbita system that will allow Metrolinx staff to see real-time performance data and pinpoint issues relating to things like doors, the HVAC system and electrical equipment, to give commuters a better, safer journey.

"This is great news for our customers. More BiLevel cars allow us to add seat capacity as we continue to rapidly expand GO train service," said Phil Verster, president and CEO of Metrolinx. "In addition, trains with improved on-board diagnostic tools allows us to improve customer experience and generate savings on maintenance, which is great for our business, and which will keep more trains performing at peak service levels for our customers."

"The safe, comfortable and reliable BiLevel cars for GO Transit have been built by Ontarians for Ontarians in our Thunder Bay facility for over 40 years, and we are pleased that this announcement adds to our historical relationship," said David Van der Wee, Chief Operating Officer, Americas Region, Bombardier Transportation. "This extension will certainly help us contribute to Thunder Bay's economic development and sustain our Canadian supply base. We would also like to thank the government of Ontario and Metrolinx for this new vote of confidence in the expertise of our employees in Thunder Bay."

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.

She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.

She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.