Alstom has secured a major agreement with Metrolinx to overhaul and modernise 181 Bi-Level commuter rail cars for GO Transit in Ontario, Canada.
Valued at approximately 500 million CAD (340 million EUR), the project will extend the lifespan of the railcars while also enhancing passenger comfort and sustainability.

The mid-life overhaul of the Series VIII cars, originally built between 2008 and 2015, will commence in 2026 at Alstom’s Thunder Bay facility.
The initiative will support approximately 250 high-skilled jobs in the region until at least 2030, contributing to local economic growth and reinforcing Thunder Bay’s role as a hub for rail manufacturing expertise.
Improvements to the railcars include:
- New outlets with USB ports for passenger convenience
- Upgraded interiors with refreshed panelling, flooring, and energy-efficient LED lighting
- New accessible lavatories to meet modern accessibility standards
- Replacement of customer seating for enhanced comfort
These upgrades align with Metrolinx’s ongoing GO Expansion programme, which aims to provide faster, more frequent, and more reliable service to the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).
Michael Lindsay, Interim President and CEO, Metrolinx said:Extending the life of these coaches is a vital part of our plan for faster and more frequent GO rail service, supporting the demands of our rapidly growing region. With industry-leading amenities on board, these revived coaches will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable customer journey for years to come.
Alstom has a long-standing partnership with Metrolinx, having built all GO Transit Bi-Level railcars at its Thunder Bay facility over the last 50 years.
In addition to this latest modernisation project, Alstom is refurbishing 94 Series VII railcars under a 2021 agreement and has maintained GO Transit’s fleet for over 25 years. The company has also operated GO Transit’s commuter rail network for more than a decade, providing service across 500 kilometres of track and seven lines.
Michael Keroullé, President, Alstom Americas said:We thank the Government of Ontario and Metrolinx for their renewed trust and confidence and for recognising the unique expertise of our team in Thunder Bay, who are the best positioned to upgrade cars they originally manufactured. We are proud to continue delivering a refreshed and modernized fleet with state-of-the-art passenger amenities to enhance the experience of transit users in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.