ABB Wins Contract for Hurontario Light Rail Project in Toronto
December 16, 2020
ABB has recently been awarded a contract by Hitachi Rail (Hitachi Rail STS USA, Inc.) 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 kilometers of dedicated lane, HuLRT will provide fast, comfortable and sustainable transport. The line will also 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. The robust and compact switchgear features a modular design and the highest standards of safety – a key factor for public transport.
The rectifier transformer and 1-megawatt 12 pulse Enviline™ TDR rectifiers will convert alternating current to direct current efficiently, reducing any distortions in power supply complemented with rectifier and feeder breakers that will provide necessary protection in cases of overload, eliminating any damages or disruptions and guaranteeing service continuity and passenger safety. ABB will also provide equipment for the maintenance and storage facility, ensuring continued reliable support for the new line.
“We are pleased to be a part of this very important project for the people of Ontario. Aligning with our vision of safe, smart and sustainable electrification, our supply of equipment will enable the city to enhance its public transport infrastructure while building a sustainable future,” said Jose Dos Santos, ABB Rail Segment Manager for Americas.
With a wide range of expertise in the rail industry, ABB is a one-stop shop for a complete traction power supply package. ABB’s comprehensive offerings for traction power supply has helped power metro and tram systems, connecting cities and areas seamlessly and electrifying the world.
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).
