Equans renovates Montreal's oldest tramway by providing a tailor-made solution that ensures its legacy
The Canadian Railway Museum's Exporail electric tramway, which was the last active tram line in Montreal before being retired in 1959, is back in operation. As one of the main attractions of the museum, visitors can enjoy a journey back in time with a one-kilometer ride on a vintage tram. The restoration project was entrusted to Equans, through its subsidiary Equans Transport Canada, which is also responsible for the electrification of Montreal's new metro line, Réseau Express Métropolitain. This contract reinforces Equans' expertise in the service of Montreal's rail heritage.
An emblematic re-electrification project
Exporail, the Canadian Railway Museum, was established in 1961 by the Canadian Railroad Historical Association (CRHA) and houses one of the largest railway collections in the world. The museum collects and exhibits vehicles and artifacts that tell the story of Canada's rich railway history. One unique exhibit at the museum is the 1959 MTC tramway line, which is a popular attraction in Quebec. Each year, 80,000 visitors take a one-kilometer ride around the museum's outdoor site.
In June 2022 after more than two years out of service, nearly a third of this vintage tram’s overhead line was renovated. The museum called on Equans to restore its flagship attraction. The world leader in multi-technical services’ teams advised the museum on the solution and how to organise the work before replacing the obsolete parts of the tram’s overhead line.
Equans has extensive expertise in electrification and catenary systems as a supplier of sustainable solutions for public transport infrastructure and networks. Selected by the NouvLR consortium to design and build the catenary system for Montreal's Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) project, the renovation of the Exporail tramway was another opportunity for Equans to demonstrate its expertise in the field of mobility for today, tomorrow...and yesterday!
