Tracks and systems work in Belfast Yard in Ottawa. Photo: copyright Rideau Transit Group.
Alstom has been selected by Rideau Transit Maintenance General Partnership (RTM) to maintain the O-Train Confederation Line, which is the city of Ottawa’s light rail transit system. The contract, worth approximately C$180 million, follows a 2013 contract awarded to Alstom by RTM to supply 34 Citadis Spirit light rail vehicles to the city.
“We are pleased to award Alstom this expanded scope in maintaining the Confederation Line system,” said Grant Bailey, general manager of Rideau Transit Maintenance. “This contract places many of the critical system interfaces under the responsibility of a single service provider and will result in streamlined maintenance processes and improved system reliability."
“Alstom is a world class supplier with a proven track record in maintaining urban rail transport systems around the globe and we are excited to work with them in providing green and efficient public transport in the nation’s capital,” added Bailey.
Under the contract, Alstom will maintain the entire Confederation Line, including maintenance of the tracks, the operating control system, the power substation and the signaling and communications systems, for 30 years.
Alstom is currently assembling the Citadis Spirit vehicles for the line at the Belfast Yard facility in Ottawa, the site of the operator OC Transpo. The new line, which will be 12.5 km long and include 13 stations, is expected to begin service in 2018.
“Ottawa is investing in green and efficient public transportation,” remarked Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. “As part of this effort, we are making sure that our modern trains continue to give 100 percent performance over their lifetime, representing an attractive means of transportation for our residents and visitors.”
The Confederation Line project is the first entry of Alstom’s Citadis Spirit into the North American market. When all vehicles have been delivered, the current assembly area at Belfast Yard will be converted into a center for Alstom to maintain the vehicles.
“Alstom is very committed to Ottawa’s light rail system, and we are pleased that RTM has chosen Alstom to maintain the O-Train Confederation Line,” stated Angelo Guercioni, Alstom’s managing director for Canada. “Not only will the City of Ottawa benefit from Alstom’s worldwide experience in delivering light rail vehicles and maintaining light rail infrastructure systems, this maintenance contract also will create new highly-skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs.”