Government of Ontario

“The Northlander is ‘on track’ to make its comeback!” reported Victor Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, via social media. (Courtesy of Victor Fedeli)

Transit Briefs: Ontario’s Northlander, CTA/Metra, BART, DEN/Alstom

Rail infrastructure upgrades are nearing completion for the revival of Northlander service in Ontario, Canada. Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Metra post ridership gains in 2025; San Francisco Bay Area Transportation District (BART) launches free Wi-Fi at five stations in time for the Super Bowl; and Alstom completes base-order delivery of automated people-mover vehicles to Denver International Airport (DEN).

“Ontario Northland was pleased to be in Bracebridge today to share renderings of the shelters that will be installed at nine future Northlander stops,” the railroad company reported in a May 31 LinkedIn post. “Minister Vijay Thanagasalam also announced an investment of [C]$75 million in contracts to enhance rail safety and improve the passenger experience. Look out for our crews working on the rail and at future stop locations in Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Kirkland Lake and Matheson this summer!” (Ontario Northland Photograph)

Ontario’s Northlander Service Revival Advances

The Ontario government on May 31 awarded three contracts totaling C$75 million to design and build nine new station shelters, improve track, and complete warning system upgrades as part of its plan to reinstate Northlander passenger rail service between Timmons and Toronto with a rail connection to Cochrane.

The city of Toronto will receive funding from the government of Ontario for 70 Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway trains. Fifty-five will be purchased for Line 2 and 15 for the Scarborough Subway Extension and Yonge North Subway Extension projects. (TTC Photograph)

Ontario, Toronto Forge ‘New Deal’

Under a “new deal” reached Nov. 27, the government of Ontario will provide the city of Toronto with up to C$1.2 billion in provincial operating support over three years and capital relief, which includes funding for the Eglinton Crosstown and the Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT) projects; 70 new Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway trains; and subway and transit safety, recovery and sustainability.