CANADA: Toronto Transit Commission has placed a C$2·3bn directly-awarded contract for a fleet of 70 metro trains be supplied by Alstom, as the only company able to build the trains in Canada.
In August 2025, TTC cancelled a competitive tender for the New Subway Trains contract in favour of negotiating a single-source agreement with Alstom. At the time TTC said ‘in the face of US tariffs and economic uncertainty, this decision will support Canadian and Ontario workers with good manufacturing jobs and ensure reliable trains’.
The process was approved by the national, provincial and city governments, with Alstom required to meet its original specifications and maximise domestic content and jobs, and pricing being subject to an independent third-party assessment.
The finalisation of the contract was announced by national Minister of Housing & Infrastructure Gregor Robertson at Alstom’s Thunder Bay factory on January 15.
TTC said ‘the world is rapidly changing, and Canada’s economy faces a hinge moment as the global trading system is rewired. Our future prosperity depends on building resiliency at home. To succeed, Canada must transform our economy from one reliant on a single trading partner, to one that is stronger and more robust.‘
Order confirmed
There is a firm order for 55 six-car Metropolis trainsets to be jointly funded by the federal, provincial and city governments to replace the ageing fleet on Line 2. The national and provincial governments are each increasing their investments from C$758m to C$950m for the purchase.
There is also a firm order for a pool of 15 more trainsets to support the extensions of Line 1 to Yonge North and Line 2 to Scarborough.
There are options to order up to 150 more trainsets to meet future needs as funding is committed and subject to Alstom’s performance.
Train design
The trains are to have bright and spacious interiors with open gangways and multi-purpose areas for wheelchair users, pushchairs and bicycles.
There will be energy-efficient lighting, wireless smartphone charging, smart climate controls, an active levelling system and the latest cybersecurity technology.
‘Build in Canada, for Canadians’.
President of Alstom Americas Michael Keroullé said ‘these NSTs set the bar for what it means to build in Canada, for Canadians’.
The trainsets will be designed and engineered in Canada, with final assembly at Thunder Bay. TTC said they will have 55% Canadian content.
Alstom says it is investing in its local production capabilities and leveraging its network of national suppliers, including the use of Canadian carbon steel and aluminium. It said this ‘strategic work re-positioning’ would strengthen Canadian expertise in rail manufacturing and innovation, generating up to 945 direct and 1 700 indirect jobs across the country, renewing onshore industrial capabilities and reinforcing Canada’s resilience to current and future trade disruptions.
Confirmation of the order was welcomed by the Unifor union which represents workers at Thunder Bay.
National President Lana Payne said ‘we have been saying this since the beginning of the US trade war that all levels of government need to use their procurement dollars to maintain jobs in Canada. This contract with Alstom is the way forward to supporting workers and building a resilient Canadian economy. We’re happy all three levels of government came together to secure good manufacturing jobs. This Made-in-Canada solution is a model for all sectors.’
