Premier unveils first of 16 refurbished Polar Bear Express passenger coaches

The first of 16 refurbished Polar Bear Express passenger rail cars has been completed.

Premier Kathleen Wynne was on hand for the ribbon cutting at Ontario Northland’s Refurbishment and Repair Centre in North Bay.

The province has invested 17-million dollars into the Polar Bear Express for upgrades and modernization.

While there was no new work announced, the Premier say efforts continue in bringing in new work for the centre. “I know that there have been conversations with Metrolinx, that’s an ongoing discussion.”

Meantime, Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle said, “We see some great opportunities in the future.”

He goes on to say they’re excited about this project, “It’s 2019 when everyone of the 16 vehicles is done.”

The project is supporting 25 jobs locally.

The refurbished rail cars will improve the travel experience for passengers, offering them new seats with electrical and USB charging, accessible washrooms, modern flooring, enhanced luggage space, comfortable dining cars and a family car.