“We were pleased to host Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria MPP Minister Victor Fedeli, Mayor Peter Chirico and Rob Sherrin at Ontario Northland’s Remanufacturing and Repair Centre to announce a new contract to refurbish 121 Go Transit bi-level rail cars,” Ontario Northland reported via LinkedIn on Jan. 28. (Ontario Northland Photograph)

Ontario Northland Secures Bilevel Overhaul Contract for GO Transit

The Ontario, Canada government on Jan. 27 reported that it is investing more than C$350 million to refurbish 121 GO Transit bilevel commuter railcars at Ontario Northland’s Remanufacturing and Repair Center in North Bay.

Transit Briefs: TransLink, Metrolinx, Caltrain, NYMTA, Sound Transit

TransLink receives more than C$663 million in transit funding through the Canada Public Transit Fund to improve Metro Vancouver’s public transit infrastructure. Also, Metrolinx’s Hazel McCallion Line extension will bring underground rapid transit to Brampton’s downtown core; the end of 2024 shows growing Caltrain ridership; the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) releases the results of its Fall 2024 Customers Count Survey; and Sound Transit adopts the name Pinehurst Station for the NE 130th Infill Station Project.

Railway Age’s 2025 ‘Fast Trackers’ 25 Under 40 Honorees

Railway Age is pleased to announce the 25 “Fast Trackers” selected for this year’s 25 Under 40 awards program.

(Alstom Photograph)

Alstom Lands GO Transit Bilevel Overhaul Contract

Alstom on Jan. 15 reported signing a framework agreement valued at approximately C$500 million with Metrolinx to refurbish 181 Series VIII bilevel commuter railcars for GO Transit in Ontario, Canada.

Transit Briefs: Brightline, SunRail, Calgary Airport Rail Connection, Metrolinx

Brightline partners with Porter Airlines to offer travelers a special promotion. Also, Central Florida municipalities are now paying for SunRail operations; Calgary releases its preferred route for the proposed Calgary Airport Rail Connection; and Premier Doug Ford directs Metrolinx to study expanding GO Transit service along the Kitchner and Milton lines by diverting freight rail lines.

Grand Central Madison (pictured) was selected for the World’s Most Beautiful Passenger Stations 2024 List, along with Schafbergbahn Station in St. Wolfgang, Austria; Bell Station in Melbourne, Australia; Beijing Station in Beijing, China Toulouse; Matabiau Station in Toulouse, France; and Chiaia Metro Station in Naples, Italy. (Marc A. Hermann / MTA)

Transit Briefs: UNESCO Award; Canadian Transit Hub, TOD Projects

UNESCO recognizes New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Grand Central Madison with a “World’s Most Beautiful Passenger Station” interior award. Also, the Kitchener Central Transit Hub and Toronto’s 50 Wilson Heights TOD (transit-oriented development) advance in Ontario, Canada.

Lindsay Named New Metrolinx Interim President, CEO; Verster Steps Down (UPDATED 12/6)

The Ontario government has named Michael Lindsay as the new interim President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Metrolinx following the resignation of Phil Verster who has accepted a new position and will be moving on from the agency after seven years as early as Dec. 16.

“Better public transit means Torontonians can spend less time commuting and more time with family, staying connected to work, school, and traveling safely,” reported Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, via X on Nov. 29. “That’s why we’re investing in new subway cars for the TTC—to make life in Toronto easier, faster, and more affordable.” (Photograph Courtesy of Chrystia Freeland)

Ontario-Toronto ‘Deal’ to Support Rail Transit

The government of Ontario, Canada, on Nov. 27 reported that it will provide the city of Toronto up to C$1.2 billion in provincial operating support over three years (2024-26) and up to C$7.6 billion in “significant capital relief” over ten years (2024-35) as part of a proposed “new deal.” Among the beneficiaries are Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, Finch West LRT, Scarborough Subway Extension, and Yonge North Subway Extension projects.

RAC Announces 2024 Safety Award Winners

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) on Nov. 27 announced the winners of the 2024 Safety Awards, recognizing the contributions of Canadian railroaders in advancing safety on the country’s rail network.

Amtrak announces the restoration of Empire Service in time for the holiday season. (Photograph Courtesy of the New York Governor’s Office)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, MBTA, Metrolinx

Amtrak restores Empire Service. Also, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is acquiring more Hyundai Rotem bilevels and taking delivery, on schedule, of new Orange and Red line railcars from CRRC; and Metrolinx advances the Ontario Line project in Toronto.

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