TORONTO, Sept. 8, 2015 /CNW/ - Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx have issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) for interested parties to design, build, finance and maintain the Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT) project.
As part of the Ontario Government's commitment to expand transit in Toronto, the new LRT line, located along Finch Avenue West in the city's northwest end, will integrate with the city's existing transit system.
The project includes:
- 11 kilometres of new dedicated rapid transit between Humber College and the new Finch West Subway Station on the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension
- 18 surface stops and a below-grade interchange station to connect with the new Finch West Subway Station
- A maintenance and storage facility for the light rail vehicles
The RFQ is the first step in the procurement process to select a team to deliver the project. Submissions will be evaluated to prequalify project teams with the relevant design and construction experience, and the capacity to finance and deliver a project of this size and complexity. Teams who qualify will be invited to respond to a request for proposals.
The project will help transform Finch Avenue West's priority neighbourhood into a vibrant community, accessible to motorists, transit riders, cyclists and pedestrians. The LRT service will also move more people faster through the busy Finch West corridor than the existing bus service.
The Finch West LRT project will also provide economic and social benefits — including employment and training opportunities, apprenticeships, and local supplier and social enterprise opportunities, where possible — to the local communities.
The project is being delivered using IO's Alternative Financing and Procurement model, which transfers appropriate risks associated with design, construction, financing and maintenance of the project to the private sector. The Finch West LRT line will remain publicly owned.
Quotes:
Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation
"This is an exciting milestone for the Finch West LRT project. This new LRT line will help offer more efficient and convenient travel options for priority neighbourhoods and will play an important role in improving and connecting transit services across the city and surrounding areas. The Finch West LRT project is further proof of our government's commitment to making the daily commute and quality of life better for Ontario families."
Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure
"I am pleased construction will soon be underway for the Finch West Light Rail Transit Project. We are committed to expanding and improving transit across Toronto to help businesses thrive, and families travel to the places they need to go. The Finch LRT will provide fast, efficient service, and the expansion project will help create jobs and grow our economy. This important project is part of our $130 billion infrastructure plan, the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario's history, to keep people moving across the province."
Bruce McCuaig, President and CEO, Metrolinx
"The Finch West LRT line is another important part of the region's transit network and identified in Metrolinx's regional transportation plan. As an extension of the existing TTC network, and with connections to GO Transit bus services and existing Mississauga and Brampton transit, the Finch West LRT line will bring fast, reliable and convenient service to the communities that need it most. This is another example of the progress Metrolinx is making to transform the way the region moves by building a fast, convenient and integrated transit network across the GTHA."
Bert Clark, President and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario
"We are pleased to be working with Metrolinx to deliver the new Finch West LRT project as part of the province's commitment to expand transit in the GTA."
Background:
In addition to earlier commitments like the Finch West LRT project, the Province is investing in signature projects under the Moving Ontario Forward plan – a plan that commits $31.5 billion over 10 years for investment in priority infrastructure projects across the province, such as public transit, roads, bridges and highways. This includes about $16 billion for priority rapid transit projects in the GTHA and about $15 billion for investment in transportation and other priority infrastructure projects across the rest of the province. Investments made through Moving Ontario Forward will provide new travel choices for commuters, help manage congestion, connect people to jobs, and improve the economy and residents' quality of life.
In the GTHA, the Province is committed to strengthening GO Transit by implementing GO Regional Express Rail (RER) service as a priority. RER will provide faster and more frequent GO rail service with electrification on core segments of the GO Rail network, including Union Pearson (UP) Express. In addition to RER, the Province is committed to implementing the Hurontario-Main LRT project in Mississauga and Brampton, and a new LRT line in Hamilton. Ongoing planning and design work will continue for other projects in the Next Wave of Metrolinx's Regional Transportation Plan for the GTHA.
Metrolinx is the Province of Ontario's regional transportation agency for the GTHA. Currently, Metrolinx has $16 billion worth of projects underway that will make up an extensive network of regional rapid transit projects. The Finch West LRT project is a key project identified in Metrolinx's Regional Transportation Plan for the GTHA.
IO is a Crown agency of the Province of Ontario that works to deliver public benefits through partnerships with the private sector. IO delivers large, complex public infrastructure projects using a made-in-Ontario modern procurement and project management practice called Alternative Financing and Procurement. IO also partners with the private sector to manage one of the largest real estate portfolios in Canada, provides municipalities and eligible public-sector clients with loans to renew public infrastructure, and leverages its private-sector expertise to advise the provincial public-sector clients on commercial transactions.
Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca and www.metrolinx.com for more information.
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SOURCE Infrastructure Ontario
Contacts: Lisa DiMenna, Infrastructure Ontario, 416-326-9378; Anne Marie Aikins, Metrolinx, 416-202-5796
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