The Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada, is witnessing increasing urbanization and population growth. Toronto is now the fastest growing city and metro area in US and Canada1. To ensure better connectivity to northwest Toronto, Metrolinx is delivering the new Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT) line.
CYMI, a Grupo ACS company specializing in rail electrification systems, is providing traction power equipment and services to Mosaic Transit Group, which is responsible for designing, building, financing and maintaining the Finch West line. It is relying on ABB’s Transportation Rail and Infrastructure team in Canada to power the new line.
Spanning over 11 kilometres, the new line will run along Finch Avenue West from Keele to Highway 27 and then along Highway 27 to Humber College, one of the busiest bus routes in Toronto. The line will also build crucial connections to transit services, linking the communities of Jamestown, Rexdale and Black Creek with downtown Toronto. Set to be completed by 2023, the line is expected to move 46,000 passengers on weekdays, supporting environmental sustainability by reducing the need for people to drive cars.
Credit Mosaic Transit Group and Metrolinx 
Credit Mosaic Transit Group and Metrolinx 
Credit Mosaic Transit Group and Metrolinx
Construction is progressing on the Finch West LRT line. For a before and after look at the Finch Avenue West alignment from Fall 2019 to Summer 2020, click here.
The new line will be powered by eight substations, for which ABB will provide traction power equipment, including medium-voltage switchgear, pulse rectifiers, rectifier transformers, rectifier and feeder breakers. ABB will also provide equipment for the maintenance and storage facility, ensuring continued reliable support for the new line.
The UniGear ZS3.2 medium-voltage switchgear is a metal-clad, air-insulated switchgear that will enable reliable power distribution, power energy control, protection and monitoring for the Finch West line. The robust switchgear features a modular design and offers the highest standards of safety – a key factor for public transport.
The rectifier transformer and 2-megawatt 12 pulse Enviline™ TDR rectifiers will convert alternating current to direct current efficiently, reducing any distortions in power supply that will provide necessary protection in cases of overload, eliminating any damages or disruptions and guaranteeing service continuity and passenger safety.
“We are pleased to be a part of the Finch West LRT project. 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 through safe, smart and sustainable electrification.
