Metrolinx, Infrastructure Ontario select Mobilinx as Hurontario LRT preferred proponent
Mobilinx has been named the preferred proponent to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Hurontario Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, according to Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx.
The parties anticipate a formal contract being awarded in the fall of 2019 with design work expected to begin shortly after.
The Hurontario LRT project is designed to be the north-south connector between Brampton and Mississauga, Ontario. The full build out includes 19 stops along the 18-km (11.18-mile) route of new dedicated rapid transit between Port Credit GO Station in Mississauga to the Gateway Terminal at Steeles Avenue in Brampton. Additionally, a maintenance and storage facility for the light-rail vehicles located south of Highway 407 and west of Kennedy Road will be built.
In March, Metrolinx announced plans to reduce the scope of the project, which included the removal of the Mississauga city center loop and the creation of a direct in-out access route from Hurontario to the Rathburn stop, located next to the MiWay Transit Terminal; deferring the pedestrian bridge at the Cooksville stop to be included in a future Transit Oriented Development between the stop and the GO station and changes to street-scaping along the corridor. The changes had been proposed by Metrolinx and approved by the provincial government.
At the time of the scoping revision, Metrolinx President and CEO Phil Verster explained that the changes would reduce project cost while delivering on the project’s goal of fast and reliable service.
Verster also noted that the reduction in scope didn’t mean the elements were completely off the table and the contract included provisions to adapt to future changes or additions to the LRT.
The contract value for the project will be revealed at financial close.
Members of the Mobilinx team include:
Applicant Lead: John Laing, Astaldi, Hitachi, Transdev, Amico Concessions, Salini Impregilo
Construction: Astaldi, Hitachi, Amico, Bot, Salini Impregilo
Design: IBI Group, Hitachi, Morrison Hershfield, Arcadis, Daoust Lestage, Exp.
Operation Maintenance & Rehabilitation Provider: Transdev, Hitachi, Astaldi, Salini Impregilo
Financial Advisor: National Bank, HSBC
Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario said the selection of Mobilinx is the result of an open, fair and competitive procurement process overseen by a third-party fairness monitor.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
