Ontario Government Advocates for Sole-Source Procurement of TTC Line 2 Trains

Ontario’s Transportation Minister, Prabmeet Sarkaria, has urged the City of Toronto to consider a sole-source procurement deal for new trains for Line 2, aiming to support local workers and stimulate Ontario’s economy. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Supporting Local Workers Through Sole-Source Procurement

Sarkaria emphasized the importance of sourcing these trains locally to help Ontario workers, especially amid the ongoing tariff challenges.

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By opting for trains made within the province, the project could provide valuable job opportunities in Thunder Bay, where rail manufacturer Alstom operates.

The Need for New Trains on TTC Line 2

Trains on Line 2 of Toronto’s subway system are nearing the end of their lifespan, with many approaching 30 years of service. To address this, the federal government allocated $758 million for replacing these aging units. Additionally, Ontario and Toronto committed $1.52 billion as part of the 2023 Ontario-Toronto New Deal to fund 55 new trains.

Sarkaria has urged the City of Toronto to prioritize a sole-source procurement agreement with Alstom, which would be a win for both local manufacturing and Ontario’s workforce. This would allow the province to focus on building trains in Thunder Bay, keeping jobs within the region.

The ongoing tariff war, led by the U.S. administration, continues to impact the economy, especially sectors like automotive and construction. By supporting local train manufacturing, Ontario can safeguard its workers and reduce the economic uncertainty caused by these tariffs.

Sarkaria concluded his letter by expressing his desire to collaborate with Toronto and the TTC on this project, highlighting the benefits of locally manufactured trains for the province’s economy and its workers.

Source, photo: www.cp24.com

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