Bombardier/Alstom tapped by Montreal
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefA consortium of Bombardier Transportation and Alstom Transport said Friday it has signed a contract with Société de transport de Montréal (STM) for the supply of 468 metro cars (52 nine-car trainsets) to replace STM’s MR-63 fleet, in service since 1966, and to optimize service.
The contract is valued at US$1.2 billion. Bombardier’s share is estimated at US$725 million, while Alstom’s share is estimated at US$482 million. The contract will enter into force, and the final price fixed using the applicable exchange rate, when the usual steps of funding approval will be completed.
Design, manufacture, and final assembly of the new Montréal metro cars will beundertaken at Bombardier’s facilities in La Pocatière and Saint-Bruno, Québec. Alstom’s sites in Sorel-Tracy and Montréal, Québec, will also be involved. The first prototype train will arrive in June 2013, followed by the base order deliveries that are scheduled to take place between February 2014 and September 2018.
In conformity with STM requirements, the project includes a 60% Canadian content. Final assembly will take place in Canada.
The new cars will offer: open gangways for riders to walk freely from one end of the train to the other; a state-of-the art electronic passenger information system; and new security features, including onboard cameras and a two-way intercom systemconnecting passengers with the driver and the control center.
“Bombardier and Alstom commend the determination of the Government of Québec and the city of Montréal to bring about an efficient resolution to this bid process.” says Raymond Bachant, president, Bombardier Transportation, North America. “These state-of-the-art metro cars will provide Montréal and its transit users a reliable, comfortable and quiet ride and will continue to reflect the spirit of this great international city.”
“We look forward to getting to work to ensure the successful supply of new metro cars to the STM and its transit users,” said Pierre Gauthier, president of Alstom Canada, “The STM will benefit from the combined expertise of the two largest transport manufacturer in the world who have been major contributors to the original MR-63 and MR-73 metro fleet.”
Montreal’s metro registers about 850,000 passenger trips per weekday.
