Metrolinx, Infrastructure Ontario issue RFQ for Hurontario light-rail project

Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
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Hurontario LRT Project
CNW Group/Infrastructure Ontario

Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Oct. 18 for interested companies to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Hurontario Light Rail Transit (LRT) project.

 

IO and Metrolinx will evaluate submissions to prequalify project teams with the experience and financial ability needed to complete the project. Qualifying teams will receive invites to respond to a request for proposals in spring 2017, officials say.

“We are taking the next steps needed to deliver on our commitment to help manage congestion and offer more convenient travel options for residents of Mississauga and Brampton,” said Steven Del Duca, minister of transportation.

The Hurontario LRT project is being procured as a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain (DBFOM) contract using IO’s Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) model, transferring the risks related to the project’s design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance to the private sector.

“Moving forward with procurement for the Hurontario LRT represents a major step towards improving transit in Peel Region,” said Bruce McCuaig, president and CEO of Metrolinx. “This project will be a key part of our regional transportation network, providing residents and businesses with a fast, reliable, and convenient way to get where they need to be.” 

Hurontario is set to be the first LRT service provided by Metrolinx and IO under a DBFOM contract. Metrolinx officials say the agency has worked closely with the Region of Peel and the cities of Mississauga and Brampton to implement the new LRT service alongside municipal transit systems while meeting their standards.

“People should be able to move around their cities quickly and efficiently,” said Bob Chiarelli, minister of infrastructure. “The Hurontario LRT will improve on the options available to residents and visitors while increasing the quality of travel and life for everyone in the region. I look forward to seeing work begin on this important project and know those affected will be glad to see it progressing.”

The RFQ outlines the scope of work required, which includes:

  • 20 kilometers (12.43 miles) of new dedicated rapid transit between Port Credit GO Station in Mississauga to the Gateway Terminal at Steeles Avenue in Brampton
  • Service to 22 stops with connections to GO Transit’s Milton and Lakeshore West rail lines, Mississauga MiWay, Brampton Züm and the Mississauga Transitway BRT
  • A maintenance and storage facility for the light-rail vehicles at Highway 407
  • The procurement of a fleet of light-rail vehicles and operations of the system 

Representatives say the Hurontario LRT project will double the corridor’s capacity to move people, in addition to significantly improving transit travel times.

“We are excited to put our proven expertise in modern project delivery to work on the Hurontario LRT project. Our AFP approach protects the taxpayer from many of the traditional, costly risks to major projects by partnering in the right way with the private sector,” said Ehren Cory, divisional president, project delivery for Infrastructure Ontario.

Companies interested in working on the project must register here to download the RFQ. 

More information about Ontario’s infrastructure projects is available here

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