Saturday, June 22, 2024
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Starting June 25, exo will begin introducing a new generation of railcars. Forty-four new 2050 railcars will gradually enter service on Line 12 – Saint-Jerome, enhancing the reliability and capacity of the commuter rail network.
An Improved Experience
The new 2050 railcars will provide a more comfortable and accessible journey with several features:
- Seating for up to 147 passengers across two floors
- Multiple electrical and USB outlets
- Two wide doors per car to ease boarding and alighting
- Accessible toilets with a changing table
- High-contrast indoor and outdoor display screens
- Bright and inviting LED interior lighting
- Heating and air conditioning
- Spaces for motorized mobility aids (e.g., three-wheeled scooters) and bicycles
Increased Accessibility on the Saint-Jerome Line
Exo prioritizes accessibility across its train and bus network and continues to enhance the inherited commuter rail infrastructure. The addition of 18 new, accessible railcars on Line 12 – Saint-Jerome is a tangible action within its Accessibility Development Plan 2023-2027. This plan also includes the development of platform-train links at nine stations on this line, making boarding and alighting easier for persons with functional limitations.
“The development of public transit depends on its attractiveness, and our investments in these new railcars will better meet the needs of citizens of the North Shore and Laval. Our government will continue to support public transit for the benefit of all Quebecers,” said Geneviève Guilbault, Deputy Premier, Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility.
“It should be noted that the design to North American standards and the implementation of these new railcars were carried out in accordance with the allocated budget and with the needs of our users in mind. Despite the pandemic requiring patience, the outcome of this collaboration is remarkable, providing a modern commuter train that progressively becomes more accessible to all our customers,” added Josée Bérubé, Chair of exo’s Board of Directors.
“Our new railcars have undergone final testing on our network since winter, and exo staff are thrilled with their exceptional quality and design, which perfectly meet our needs and those of our customers. We look forward to users finally using our new railcars starting next Tuesday,” said Sylvain Yelle, General Manager for exo.
Local expertise plays a central role in the manufacturing of our railcars. CRRC manufactures our railcars, with significant contributions from several Quebec and Canadian suppliers:
- Graphie (La Pocatière, QC): Design and signage.
- ISC Applied Systems (Pointe-Claire, QC): Radio, communication, and display systems.
- Prelco (Rivière-du-Loup, QC): Windows.
- Baultar Solutions (Val-Joli, QC) manufactures the floors and operator seats.
- Khrome (Drummondville, QC): Passenger seats.
- ProFlex (Granby, QC): Bellows between cars.
- Bach-Simson (London, ON): Event recorders (black boxes).
- Quester Tangent (Sidney, BC): Control system.
- Technologies Lanka Inc. (La Pocatière, QC): Door system, operator, battery charger, and low-voltage power supply.
For more information on the new 2050 railcars, please visit the dedicated page (French) on the exo website. This project received financial support from the Government of Quebec through the public transit assistance program.
