Schneider Electric Canada Is Advancing Energy Tech for Largest Public Transit Network in the Country

September 21, 2026

A Trusted Partner in Energy Technology, Schneider Electric Canada Is Advancing Energy Tech for One of Canada’s Largest Urban Transit Systems

By: Krystie Johnston 

Schneider Electric Canada unveiled an immersive activation at Toronto’s Union Station earlier this summer. It features a series of installations that demonstrate how intelligent energy management solutions – like those from Schneider – though often unseen, are the systems that keep life moving. These installations were purposefully designed to enlighten commuters about how these unseen systems keep life moving and working in partnership with Schneider’s energy technologies. 

Have you ever ridden a subway? Do you commute daily? What is your experience with Ontario’s Toronto Transit Commission, also known as the TTC?  

The TTC is the largest public transit agency in the province. They operate the subways, buses, and streetcar networks in Toronto and the surrounding area, connecting millions of riders to destinations with speed and efficiency every year. To date, the TTC is the most heavily used urban transit system in Canada and the third-busiest urban mass transit system in North America, trailing just behind New York City and Mexico City and just ahead of Montreal, Quebec^{1, 2}.   

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The Largest Public Transit Network in the Country

The TTC is adept at changes and expansions, from rate initiatives to line and station expansions, they continually evolve to meet the needs of Ontario’s fastest growing cities. For instance, expansion of the Ontario Line South is well underway. Tunnelling officially started in April, digging twin tunnels from Exhibition Station toward the Don Yard. Once complete, the 15.6 km line will run from Exhibition Place to the Eglington Crosstown LRT at Don Mills Road (opened in early February³), with 15 stations and more than 40 transit connections, including connections to TTC Lines 1, 2, and 5, multiple streetcar and bus routes, and three GO train lines⁴. 

I remember using it on trips to the city to visit family and enjoy events when I was young. I remember the bustle and the buskers and the buildings – the stairs, the gates, the tokens. I still use the TTC when I have events in city. Like in early August, I went to see a concert at Roger’s Stadium with my husband, and we took my kids with us. We rode the subway. We saw the stations. We tapped our Presto card to enter the gates. It was their first time.  

My youngest (aged seven) loved the experience. My oldest (aged nine) was terrified. “This is scary,” said one. “This is the best day ever!” said the other. Maybe it was what my oldest could see that scared her. Maybe it was what she could not see that did it. Maybe she would have been less worried if she knew more about the unseen systems that keep life moving.  

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The Unseen Systems that Keep Life Moving

Schneider Electric Canada was chosen by the Ontario Transit Group (OTG) to provide advanced electrical and automation solutions for the Ontario Line South. They will be supporting this project with technology that will enhance the reliability, safety, and performance of these critical electrical and energy systems. More specifically, they will provide core solutions like switchgear and energy management systems and expertise in integration and interoperability to help ensure these systems work together seamlessly.  

Schneider’s technologies and capabilities are already deployed in major transit and infrastructure projects around the world. Though often unseen, they are essential for supporting the complicated demands to high-performance urban transit networks like the Ontario Line South. Schneider Electric Canada’s President, Emily Heitman understands the impact these technologies will have on hundreds of thousands of people as they move throughout the city. Even if most of them do not. “Reliable, safe, and efficient transit infrastructure starts with the technology systems that power it. Together with Ontario Transit Group and Metrolinx, we are helping deliver a transit system that the people of Toronto can count on for decades to come.” 

Another critical system that Schneider is providing will too be unseen but essential to keep life moving. The Tunnel Ventilation System will manage airflow throughout the Line’s underground tunnels and stations every day and during emergency scenarios. “It is the kind of technology that is invisible when it works, but indispensable when it is needed most,” Heitman adds. The system is powered by Schneider Electric’s Altivar variable frequency drives, providing precise control of high-volume ventilations fans that enable rapid smoke extraction, safe evacuation conditions, and continuous protection of passengers and first responders in the event of an emergency⁵.  

Critical technologies that are invisible when it works. Indispensable when it is needed most. And it is just one – albeit impactful – example of what Schneider Electric is doing for energy in Canada. As an energy technology partner, Schneider can electrify, automate, and digitalize every industry, driving efficiency and sustainability for everyone.

For more information on Schneider Electric solutions HERE

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