ABB will power up Toronto’s new Hurontario line

Reciprocal shipping is back on the STB’s agenda in 2022.

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ABB has been awarded a contract by Hitachi Rail to provide traction power equipment for the Hurontario Light Rail Transit (HuLRT) project in Toronto, Canada. Among its roles, Hitachi leads the Systems and Revenue Vehicle components of the project. The contract value of the Hurontario LRT is $4.6 billion. The Hurontario LRT is expected to open in late 2024.

ABB’s Transportation Rail and Infrastructure team will provide key components for power distribution for HuLRT, a new light-rail transit line connecting the busy commuting route between Mississauga and Brampton, to ensure its safe and reliable operation with almost zero emissions.

HuLRT will be delivered by Metrolinx, Ontario’s transportation agency, via a public-private partnership with Mobilinx, the consortium working to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the line. With 18 km of dedicated lane, HuLRT will provide fast, comfortable and sustainable transport. The line also will provide vital connections to other transit services such as GO Transit’s Milton and Lakeshore West lines, local transit links such as MiWay, Brampton Transit, Zum and Mississauga Transitway at Square One mall.

The new line will be powered by 14 substations, for which ABB will provide traction power equipment, including SafePlus medium-voltage, metal-clad, gas-insulated switchgear that will enable reliable power transmission and distribution, and power energy control protection and monitoring for the Hurontario project. ABB will also provide equipment for the maintenance and storage facility, ensuring continued reliable support for the new line.

ABB has previously won similar contracts for the Finch West and Eglinton Crosstown light-rail transit projects, also delivered by Metrolinx as part of its expansive LRT projects. For HuLRT, ABB will work in partnership with Mobilinx, the LRT’s consortium consisting of John Laing, Astaldi, Hitachi Rail, Transdev, Amico Concessions, and Salini Impregilo (WeBuild Group).

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