In this episode of Toronto Talks, Giles Gherson speaks with Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas, about what it takes to plan, build, and operate regional rail systems in the world’s leading cities.

Drawing on Alstom’s experience across Canada, the United States, and Europe, Michael explains why long-term planning, disciplined execution, and a focus on day-to-day service quality matter as much as capital investment. The conversation looks at GO Expansion, electrification, modern signaling, and the role of operations and maintenance in delivering reliable service that people trust.

They also explore why regional rail has become a critical piece of economic infrastructure. As congestion, labour access, and productivity shape business decisions across the Toronto region, the ability to move people efficiently is no longer just a transit issue. It is a competitiveness issue that will influence growth for decades to come.