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ONR coaches head for shop refurbishment

After years of political promises, the Polar Bear Express passenger coaches are finally in the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) shops for some major upgrades. The Crown agency announced Nov.
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After years of political promises, the Polar Bear Express passenger coaches are finally in the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) shops for some major upgrades.

After years of political promises, the Polar Bear Express passenger coaches are finally in the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) shops for some major upgrades.

The Crown agency announced Nov. 17 that the three-year, $17-million refurbishment program is underway in North Bay.

Among the improvements to the eight coaches include leather seats, accessible washrooms, new flooring, more leg room, more luggage space and the addition of two dining cars and two baggage cars. Electrical/USB outlets will be at every seat.

A family car will include an enclosed play area for children.

Online ticketing and a new reservation system will arrive sometime next year.

The Polar Bear Express is the only overland link to the remote community on the James Bay coast and transports more than 60,000 passengers annually.

Celebratory events were held this week in Cochrane and Moosonee to mark the 50th anniversary of the train.

“The new train equipment is engineered to handle the challenging climate and geography, and will meet the needs of our passengers,” said Corina Moore, the Ontario Northland’s interim president and CEO, in a statement. “I am extremely proud of this project and I know it will have a significant impact to the communities we serve.”

“The Polar Bear coaches will be redesigned to better meet the needs of the community,” said Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle in a news release. “This will provide continued work for the refurbishment shop and send a clear signal that the ONTC is open for business.”