Historic Investment to Boost Thunder Bay Economy

THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is making a transformative investment of nearly $500 million to refurbish 181 GO Transit bi-level rail coaches at the Alstom plant in Thunder Bay. The project is part of the province’s ambitious expansion of the GO rail network and promises to support hundreds of local manufacturing jobs while driving economic growth in northwestern Ontario.

“This is a historic day for our community,” said Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay—Atikokan. “The nearly $500 million investment our government is making to upgrade 181 GO trains at the Thunder Bay Alstom plant is a clear demonstration of our government’s commitment to supporting local industry while enhancing public transit across the province. This commitment will not only extend the lifespan of Ontario’s GO trains but will also bring and maintain more jobs in Thunder Bay, delivering significant economic benefits to our region.”

Job Creation and Local Benefits
The refurbishment will include upgrades such as new seating, doors, flooring, walls, ceilings, updated washrooms, electrical outlets with USB ports, and modernized HVAC control systems. The work, to be carried out at the Alstom plant, will sustain existing jobs and create new opportunities while benefiting local suppliers and businesses.

“On behalf of the City of Thunder Bay, I want to extend our most sincere thanks to the Ontario government for this transformative $500 million investment in our community,” said Ken Boshcoff, Mayor of Thunder Bay. “By choosing the Alstom plant for refurbishing GO Transit rail coaches, the province is not only supporting hundreds of local jobs but also reinforcing Thunder Bay’s reputation as a hub for manufacturing excellence.”

Enhancing Transit with State-of-the-Art Upgrades
The refurbished bi-level coaches will feature industry-leading amenities designed to improve the passenger experience. This includes a 20-year extension of their service life, supporting the province’s GO Expansion program, which aims to deliver two-way, all-day service to key regions such as Oshawa, Burlington, Kitchener, Stouffville, and Barrie.

“We thank the Government of Ontario and Metrolinx for their renewed trust and confidence and for recognizing the unique expertise of our team in Thunder Bay,” said Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas. “We are proud to deliver 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.”

A Provincial Commitment to Public Transit Growth
The investment aligns with Ontario’s plan to expand public transit, which includes nearly $70 billion in funding over the next decade.

“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,” said Michael Lindsay, Interim President and CEO of Metrolinx. “With industry-leading amenities on board, these revived coaches will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable customer journey for years to come.”

Quick Facts:

• GO Transit has 979 bi-level rail coaches manufactured in Thunder Bay between 1978 and 2021.
• Ontario placed an order in 2021 for 94 bi-level coach refurbishments at the Alstom Thunder Bay facility.
• The largest GO Transit service expansion in over a decade was announced in 2024, adding more than 300 weekly train trips.