Province aims to protect jobs while maintaining reliable service across regional transit network
TORONTO —
The Ontario government has signed a five-year, $1.3-billion contract extension with Alstom to continue operating and maintaining GO Transit and UP Express fleets, a move aimed at sustaining transit reliability while supporting more than 1,100 jobs across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
The agreement, announced Friday by the Ministry of Transportation, will extend current rail operations through 2031. The province says the investment is part of its broader strategy to ensure transit continuity during ongoing infrastructure upgrades under the GO Expansion program.
“Today’s announcement delivers on our government’s plan to protect Ontario by ensuring Ontario tax dollars continue to support Ontario workers,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation. “By signing this contract with Alstom to operate and maintain GO Transit and UP Express fleets, we are helping ensure riders continue to receive the safe and reliable service they depend on as we expand transit across the region.”
Supporting transit expansion and workforce stability
The contract extension comes as Ontario advances its $70-billion transit expansion plan — described by the province as the largest in North America. The initiative includes major upgrades to GO Transit services, with a focus on increasing frequency and enabling two-way, all-day service on the network’s busiest rail corridors.
The province says maintaining operational stability during construction is critical to meeting the needs of more than 120,000 daily GO Transit and UP Express riders.
Metrolinx, which oversees GO Transit, emphasized the importance of continuity as modernization efforts progress.
“Customers count on GO Transit and UP Express every day, and partnership is essential to delivering the reliable service they expect and deserve. This extension ensures continuity as we advance the modernization of the network to support faster, more frequent service as part of GO Expansion.”
- Michael Lindsay
President and CEO, Metrolinx
Alstom, which employs more than 5,000 workers in Canada, has played a central role in operating regional rail services. In the 2024–25 fiscal year, the company managed more than 117,000 GO rail trips and over 56,000 UP Express journeys, maintaining on-time performance above 97 per cent.
Broader investments reinforce domestic manufacturing
The contract builds on a series of recent provincial investments tied to Alstom’s Canadian operations. Earlier this year, Ontario committed nearly $1 billion to increase Canadian content in Toronto Transit Commission Line 2 subway trains being manufactured by the company.
In addition, the province has allocated close to $500 million to refurbish GO Transit rail coaches at Alstom’s facility in Thunder Bay, a move intended to support local manufacturing jobs and extend the life of existing rolling stock.
“Whether its introducing new riders to transit during Toronto’s biggest special events, or helping ensure frequent riders have a reliable, high-quality experience every time, Alstom has been behind the scenes helping deliver for Metrolinx and its passengers. Our continued partnership with the Ontario government and Metrolinx is a tribute to the excellence and experience of our local Services Team to ensure passengers needs are met safely and efficiently.”
- Michael Keroullé
Americas Region President, Alstom
Continued expansion across the GO network
The province has also highlighted recent progress across the GO Transit system as part of its expansion efforts. These include increased service on the Kitchener Line, the opening of Confederation GO Station on the Lakeshore West Line, and the start of construction on the future Caledonia GO Station along the Barrie Line.
In addition, Mount Dennis Station — a key transit hub connecting GO Transit, UP Express, Line 5 Eglinton and local bus services — opened last fall.
To date, Ontario has invested approximately $14.8 billion in GO Expansion projects, with further spending planned as the network evolves to meet rising demand.
Focus on reliability amid rapid growth
As transit systems across Canada face growing ridership and infrastructure pressures, Ontario’s latest contract underscores a focus on operational reliability during a period of significant change.
By extending its partnership with Alstom, the province is seeking to balance large-scale construction with day-to-day service delivery — a key consideration for commuters relying on regional transit.
The agreement ensures that, even as upgrades continue, core rail services will remain stable, positioning GO Transit and UP Express for long-term growth within an expanding urban region.