TORONTO - Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx have issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for interested parties to design build, finance, operate and maintain the GO Rail expansion project.

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

  • Operation of train services including train driving
  • Timetable planning, train control and dispatch for all operators across the GO-owned network
  • Design, build, finance, integration, maintenance of the railway corridor (civil infrastructure, tracks, electrification, signaling)
  • Refurbishment, maintenance, servicing and cleaning of all rolling stock and procurement of new rolling stock
  • Construction of new maintenance and train storage and/or layover facilities
  • Reconstruction of Union Station track and platforms
  • Compliance with Metrolinx safety, security and emergency management policies

This project is part of the province's GO Expansion (RER) program. GO RER will provide faster and more frequent service on the GO Transit Rail network with electrification on core segments, including the Union Pearson Express. The program will provide new travel choices for commuters, significantly increase transit ridership, cut journey times and help manage congestion across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

The RFQ is the first step in the procurement process to select a team to deliver the project. IO and Metrolinx will evaluate submissions to prequalify project teams with the relevant design, construction, rail operations, maintenance, system integration experience and financial capacity to undertake a project of this size and complexity. Interested companies must register with www.merx.com to download the RFQ.

Quick Facts:

  • The province is investing $21.3 billion to transform the GO rail network from a commuter transit system to a regional rapid transit system.
  • The project is being delivered as a Design Build Finance Operate Maintain (DBFOM) contract using Infrastructure Ontario's Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) model, which transfers risks associated with the design, construction, maintenance, operations and financing of the project to the private sector. 

Quotes:

“Work is well underway as we build a better, integrated and seamless transit network across the GTHA. Today's announcement is a major milestone in the delivery of all-day two-way electrified train service, more station stops and more service to get commuters where they need to be sooner.”
Kathryn McGarry, Minister of Transportation

“Ontario continues to place a priority on creating better travel choices for commuters, and on increased transit ridership, shorter journey times and less congestion across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. GO RER will make service on the GO Transit Rail network faster and more frequent, making commuting easier and raising quality of life for Ontarians.”
Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure

“This is a momentous time as we get set to quadruple weekly train trips, electrify the network and connect the people of our region to where they want to go better, faster and easier. We are eager to engage with a field of world-class partners for this new chapter of unprecedented transit building that will set our region up for success for generations to come.”
 Phil Verster, President and CEO, Metrolinx 

“IO is pleased to begin procurement on this important, once in a generation project. We look forward to a robust, competitive procurement process that will bring together the very best companies from Ontario, Canada and abroad focused on delivering the results we need.”
Ehren Cory, President and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario

Learn More

Infrastructure Ontario
Metrolinx
RER
BuildON

Contacts:

Terence Foran
Infrastructure Ontario
416-325-2939

Anne Marie Aikins
Metrolinx
416-202-5796

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