Alstom Completes Delivery of 60 Flexity Trams, Boosting Toronto’s Transit Fleet by 30%

TORONTO, ON – Alstom and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) have officially marked the completion of a major fleet expansion project, with the final of 60 new Flexity trams entering service on January 13. This milestone delivery, part of a USD $410 million tri-governmental investment, increases the operational capacity of North America’s largest and busiest streetcar network by nearly a third.

The Toronto Transit Commission announced this week that all 60 vehicles from its 2021 contract with Alstom are now fully operational, providing a significant boost to the city’s public transit infrastructure. The project was financed through a partnership between the Government of Canada (USD $130 million), the Province of Ontario (USD $130 million), and the City of Toronto (USD $150 million). Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, highlighted the project’s local benefits, stating, “these Ontario-made trams provide fast and reliable service to Toronto commuters, connecting communities and transforming the way people move around the city.”

The new Flexity trams are five-module, unidirectional vehicles featuring a 100% low-floor design for enhanced accessibility. Based on modern light rail technology, they have been specifically adapted to meet the unique operational requirements of Toronto’s extensive 308 km streetcar network. The 60 new vehicles join an existing fleet of 204 Alstom trams, bringing the total to 264. The entire order was manufactured domestically, with primary production at Alstom’s Thunder Bay, Ontario plant and key support from its La Pocatière, Québec facility, involving nearly 400 highly skilled Canadian employees.

This fleet expansion is a cornerstone of the TTC’s broader modernization efforts. In parallel with the vehicle procurement, a separate USD $180 million contribution from the Canadian government is funding the significant modernization of the TTC’s Hillcrest maintenance complex. Construction at the Hillcrest facility, which began in March 2025, will ensure it is equipped to service the expanded and modernized fleet. This project follows Alstom’s recent delivery of Citadis trams for Toronto’s new Finch West light rail line, which opened in December 2025, cementing the manufacturer’s role as a key partner in the region’s transit development.

Key Takeaways

• Major Fleet Expansion: The TTC’s tram fleet has grown by nearly 30%, increasing capacity and service reliability across North America’s largest streetcar system, which saw over 34.5 million passenger journeys in 2024.
• Significant Public Investment: The project was made possible by a combined USD $410 million investment from federal, provincial, and municipal governments, demonstrating a unified commitment to public transit.
• Domestic Manufacturing Championed: The entire 60-tram order was built in Canada, supporting a domestic supply chain and hundreds of skilled manufacturing jobs in Ontario and Québec.

Editor’s Analysis

Toronto’s substantial investment in its light rail network marks a notable strategic divergence from a wider North American trend. While data from transportation analysts like The Transport Politic indicates many cities are pivoting towards more flexible and less capital-intensive Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, Toronto is doubling down on high-capacity, fixed-guideway rail. The completion of the Alstom Flexity order, coupled with ongoing infrastructure upgrades like the Hillcrest facility, signals a long-term commitment to its legacy streetcar system as the backbone of urban mobility. This makes Toronto a critical and stable market for global rail manufacturers like Alstom, reinforcing the city’s position as a leader in North American light rail transit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many new trams did the TTC receive in this order?

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) received a total of 60 new Alstom Flexity trams, with the final vehicle entering service on January 13, 2026.

Who funded the purchase of the new Toronto trams?

The project was jointly funded by three levels of government: the Government of Canada contributed USD $130 million, the Province of Ontario provided USD $130 million, and the City of Toronto invested USD $150 million.

Where were the Alstom Flexity trams built?

The trams were manufactured in Canada. Primary production took place at Alstom’s facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario, with additional support from its plant in La Pocatière, Québec.