Next phase of GO Rail Expansion gets funding infusion from federal government

 Efforts to progress the planned GO Rail Expansion program, which will allow two-way, all-day rapid transit service on core segments of the GO Rail network in Ontario, Canada, took several steps forward on May 30 with a financial commitment from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and the selection of four pre-qualified teams to bid on the project. 

CIB committed C$2 billion (US$ 1.47 billion) to the GO Expansion – On Corridor project and explains that its partnership with Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx will add to the “transformation of the GO rail network in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and significantly improve service for commuters.”

This is the second transit investment CIB has made, following it commitment to Montreal’s Réseau express métropolitain (REM) project. CIB noted that its investment will improve the cost of financing and attract private capital while ensuring appropriate risk transfer to the private sector.

“The GO Expansion project is an extraordinary initiative and Canada Infrastructure Bank’s investment will help us transform the region to realize long-term benefits for our customers. This is an opportunity to benefit from CIB’s low-cost financing and I hope it’s the first of many investment opportunities with CIB,” said President and CEO of Metrolinx Phil Verster.

“CIB is proud to take part in a transformational project that will remarkably improve the quality of life for commuters…We look forward to bringing together the public and the private sectors in an innovative way. Our investment will enhance public transit, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate economic opportunities for Canadians,” said Pierre Lavallée, president and CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank.

Four teams were prequalified to bid on the GO Expansion – On Corridor project and include EnTransit, MTR Kiewit Partners, ONcore Transit and ONxpress Transportation Partners.

“We have strong teams bidding on the project combining proven international and local experience," said Infrastructure Ontario President and CEO Ehren Cory. "We look forward to seeing their innovative proposals to build and operate the GO Rail Expansion program for the benefit of the entire region.”

The scope of the On ¬- Corridor Works project includes:

• Operation of train services including train driving
• Timetable planning, train control and dispatch for all operators across the GO-owned rail network
• Design, build, finance, integration, maintenance, rehabilitation or renewal of the railway corridor (civil infrastructure, tracks, systems, signaling, rolling stock, etc.)
• 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

The process to prequalify began in March 2018 and the teams were evaluated based on their experience and ability to design, build, finance, operate and maintain a project of this scope and complexity.

"The GO Rail Expansion program will make travelling across the GTHA a faster, easier and a more seamless experience for commuters," said Ontario Infrastructure Minister Monte McNaughton. "Partnering with the private sector to deliver this program will minimize construction delays and financial risks to taxpayers. That allows us to protect front-line services and programs that matter to people - all while bringing good jobs and new investment to this region."