July 27, 2021 – In collaboration with CYMI—a rail electrification systems specialist—ABB successfully installed the traction power substation of the new Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT) project in Toronto.

Owned by Metrolinx, and spanning more than 11 kilometres of track, this LRT is expected to move close to 46,000 passengers on weekdays. It will include 16 surface stops, an underground interchange station, and a maintenance and storage facility for the light rail vehicles.

“As the motivation and support for LRT has morphed from simply an alternative way to provide transportation to being part of a ‘community building’ strategy, we are delighted to be a partner for success and serve Canada’s largest city with a clean energy solution,” said ABB’s Jose Mendes dos Santos.

ABB’s traction power substation (TPSS) is at the heart of this transit electrification project. Its technology includes medium-voltage switchgear, a full range of rectifiers and feeder breakers and, says ABB, “represents an essential component of the overall traction electrification system for the LRT”.

To help with the heavy lifting, a team brought in a seven-axle Liebherr mobile crane and performed the task in under 11 hours.

ABB says it is on track to deliver the balance of the traction power substations that will ensure continued support for the new LRT line in 2023.