DB International Operations awarded a 23-year Operations & Maintenance contract for the regional rail passenger transportation in Toronto and the surrounding province of Ontario

Deutsche Bahn International Operations (DB IO), a globally active subsidiary of DB E.C.O. Group, is pleased to announce its successful closure of the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) contract for regional rail passenger transportation in Toronto and the surrounding province of Ontario. This noteworthy achievement solidifies DB IO and their partner Aecon Group Inc. as the official O&M contractor for Metrolinx, an agency of the Government of Ontario, with a contractual commitment extending over the next 23 years. DB IO and Aecon Group Inc. as ONxpress Operations Inc., the O&M team at ONxpress Transportation Partners, will work closely with Metrolinx and commencing on January 1, 2025, seamlessly assume operations from the current operator with no impacts to service. 

This landmark initiative signifies DB IOs' dedication to shaping the future of transportation in the Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area (GTHA), facilitating expanded mobility to accommodate growth and preserve the quality of life for over 6 million residents. The project encompasses ambitious plans for electrification, signaling, and civil upgrades to the transit network, underscoring a commitment to sustainability and technological advancement.

The overall project, realized by DB IO together with the partners Aecon Group Inc., Alstom S.a., FCC Group, is poised to transform regional transport services with an extraordinary expansion, effectively addressing the evolving transportation needs of the community. Beyond quantitative growth, the initiative places a premium on enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers. By prioritizing safety, reliability, and customer-centric services, DB IO aims to set a new standard in the transportation system's efficiency and dependability.

CEO of DB E.C.O. Group Niko Warbanoff: “We are delighted to engage in collaboration together with Metrolinx on this transformative endeavor and look forward to contributing significantly to the advancement of Ontario's transportation infrastructure.”

The transformation project in one of the world’s busiest regions also serves as a model for the German transport system. The knowledge generated from ongoing operations is continuously shared with all other DB units and used for the successful implementation of projects in Germany, such as the modernization and digitalization of rail hubs in major German cities and metropolitan regions.

The profits generated abroad are used to strengthen the railways in Germany. Together with the federal government’s investment programs and initiatives such as “Digital Rail Germany,” this will significantly advance the sustainable modernization of the railways and support both the maintenance and construction of new infrastructure.

About the DB E.C.O. Group

DB E.C.O. Group, Deutsche Bahn's international full-service provider of engineering and consulting services and infrastructure and transport operation, consists of two main pillars – DB Engineering & Consulting GmbH (DB E&C) and DB International Operations GmbH (DB IO).

DB E&C has been advising on designing and implementing infrastructure projects from conception to operation since 1966. DB IO specializes in operating and maintaining rail transport systems and is responsible for DB's international operator projects outside of Europe.