Bombardier wins $1.2-billion streetcar contract

The Toronto Transit Commission has named Bombardier Transportation to make its next generation of streetcars, with a contract worth $1.22-billion.

Bombardier and Siemens were the only contenders to supply Toronto with 204 new low-floor accessible streetcars to run on its existing network of tracks. Bombardier bid $993-million, plus parts and other costs for a bid worth $1.2-billion. Siemens bid $1.5-billion, plus parts, the TTC said Friday.

Toronto was supposed to announce the contract award last summer, but the request for proposals process disintegrated when the TTC disqualified Bombardier, saying its design would derail on the city’s tight turns.

A new process was opened up where the TTC engineers worked closely with both companies to make sure they understood the technical requirements. Sealed envelops were submitted and the decision will come down to price.

But Toronto still does not have funding from either Ontario or Ottawa. Chief general manager Gary Webster said the TTC has until June 27 to secure funding and place the order.