Metrolinx buying LRT trains from Bombardier competitor after delayed delivery

May 12 2017, 8:55 pm

After an on-going dispute with Bombardier, Metrolinx announced on Friday that it has inked a deal with a competitor to deliver LRT vehicles on schedule.

The transit company is now working with Alstom, who are currently producing vehicles for Ottawa’s Confederation Line LRT project, and have been on-time.

“We are pleased to be able to say we have certainty that there will be trains to run on this line. That is because we are entering into an agreement with Alstom as an alternative supplier of light rail vehicles,” said John Jensen, President & CEO, Metrolinx, in a statement. “We are making great progress on the Eglinton Crosstown and are well on our way to launching this outstanding new service as scheduled in 2021.”

Jensen said that Alstom will build 17 vehicles for the Finch West LRT project and, if necessary, 44 for Eglinton Crosstown. If Alstom vehicles are not needed for Eglinton Crosstown, they will be reassigned to the Hurontario LRT project.

“We are going through a dispute resolution process with Bombardier, but that could take 8-12 months, and we can’t wait that long to determine whether Bombardier will be able to deliver,” Jensen said.

And Minister of Transportation, Steven Del Duca, calls the Alstom contract a “sensible, responsible, and creative plan.”

“This plan puts people in Ontario first — both as commuters and as taxpayers. This isn’t about who gets the job done; it’s about getting the job done,” he said.

Metrolinx

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