French engineer Alstom has been selected by Rideau Transit Maintenance General Partnership (RTM), a consortium of SNC-Lavalin, ACS and EllisDon, to maintain Ottawa’s light rail transit system, O-Train.
The 12.5km long O-Train Confederation Line will include 13 stations and is due to open in 2018.
The US$140m (CAD$180m) contract involves maintenance of the tracks, the operating control system, the power substation, as well as the signalling and communications systems, for 30 years.
Alstom is currently assembling 34 Citadis Spirit trains (pictured) which will run on the line under a contract awarded to the firm by RTM in 2013.
The Citadis Spirit trains will be able to operate in extreme cold weather and run at speeds of up to 100km/h, reducing travel time between suburban areas and the city centre.
The Citadis Spirit (Alstom)
Once the vehicles have been delivered, the assembly area will be converted into a maintenance centre, where Alstom will maintain the trains for 30 years.
Jim Watson, the Mayor of Ottawa said: "Ottawa is investing in green and efficient public transportation.
"As part of this effort, we are making sure that our modern trains continue to give 100% performance over their lifetime, representing an attractive means of transportation for our residents and visitors."
Top image via Alstom
