Made-in-Ontario Rail Cars to Support Hundreds of Manufacturing Jobs and Drive Economic Growth in North Bay

NORTH BAY — The Ontario government is investing over $350 million to refurbish 121 GO Transit bi-level rail cars at Ontario Northland’s North Bay facility. This project is part of the province’s ongoing efforts to expand the GO rail network’s service and will support the creation of hundreds of manufacturing jobs, boosting the economy in northern Ontario.

“Premier Ford and our government have a bold vision to enhance public transit across Ontario, making it more accessible, reliable, and affordable,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “This investment is a testament to our commitment to Made-in-Ontario solutions that deliver top-quality transit while maintaining high-quality jobs right here in the province.”

The refurbishment process will involve upgrading the rail cars with new interior features, including seating, flooring, walls, ceilings, and doors, as well as a new HVAC control system. All work will take place at Ontario Northland’s North Bay facility, which will sustain and create well-paying jobs, while also benefiting local suppliers and businesses.

“Today’s $350 million investment to refurbish 121 GO Transit trains at Ontario Northland’s Remanufacturing and Repair Centre will boost jobs and spur economic development in our region,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “As part of our broader Build Ontario plan, we’re investing in local industries and improving transit services across the province.”

The refurbishment will extend the life of the bi-level rail coaches by 20 years, supporting the GO Expansion program, which aims to provide two-way, all-day service to key destinations such as Oshawa, Burlington, Kitchener, Stouffville, and Barrie.

Quick Facts

  • Ontario Northland is also refurbishing several F59 locomotives purchased from Metrolink, Southern California’s Regional Rail Authority. These locomotives will support GO Transit operations and provide spare parts.
  • In January 2025, Ontario announced plans to refurbish 181 bi-level rail coaches at Alstom’s Thunder Bay plant.
  • Ontario recently unveiled its largest GO Transit service expansion in over a decade, adding more than 300 weekly train trips to the network.
  • The Ontario government is committing almost $70 billion over the next 10 years to expand public transit across the province.

Quotes

Chad Evans, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Northland
“We’re excited to continue collaborating with the Ontario government and Metrolinx on these critical refurbishment projects. Our Remanufacturing and Repair Centre’s focus on excellence has attracted business, resulting in job growth and stability for our workers, and fostering economic expansion in the region.”

Michael Lindsay, Interim President and CEO, Metrolinx
“Metrolinx and Ontario Northland are strong partners with shared goals to enhance transit across Ontario. We’re thrilled to work alongside Ontario Northland on this initiative, which will benefit GO Transit riders for years to come and help grow the province’s rail infrastructure.”