THUNDER BAY - The Thunder Bay Bombardier plant will be building more than two dozen BiLevel rail cars for two U.S.-based transit authorities.
In a media release issued on Wednesday, the company announced contracts have been signed between Bombardier and two U.S. West Coast transportation authorities in a procurement led by Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority in Seattle, Wash.
The contracts worth approximately $108 million U.S. are for 28 BiLevel commuter rail cars, representing a combination of eight cab cars and 20 coaches. There is also an option for 33 additional cars.
The cars will be built at the Thunder Bay Bombardier plant and deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2021.
“We are very happy to serve our valued, long-term commuter rail car customers as they expand and improve their fleets to meet ridership needs and enhance the passenger experience,” said Elliot G. (Lee) Sander, president, America’s Region, Bombardier Transportation. “These new orders are a demonstration of continued confidence in the BiLevel commuter rail car, a service-proven transit solution that delivers unparalleled reliability.”
The BiLevel commuter car, first introduced in 1978, is one of the most popular rail cars in the North American market.
The local Bombardier plant has faced struggles in the last year, being forced to lay off more than 500 employees last fall with two major contracts coming to an end in 2019.
Local Bombardier officials are expected to comment on the contracts Wednesday afternoon.
