RFP candidates selected for major rail project

PHOTO: Adobe Stock/DGC

RFP participants have been selected for the High Frequency Rail project, the largest proposed Canadian infrastructure project in a number of decades. The infrastructure project is aiming to provide a faster, more frequent, more accessible and more sustainable rail service among the major centres of Québec City, Trois-Rivières, Montréal, Ottawa, Peterborough and Toronto.

The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) period wrapped up this week with the Canadian government identifying three qualified groups who have been invited to participate in the Request for Proposals process.

Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra, and Minister of Canadian Heritage and Quebec Lieutenant, Pablo Rodriguez, announced that Cadence, Intercity Rail Developers, and QConnexiON Rail Partners have been invited to move to the RFP stage.

“The qualification of these three teams confirms that our bold project is on track, on schedule and gaining momentum,” said Robert Pritchard, chair of the Board of Directors of VIA HFR – VIA TGF Inc. “VIA HFR looks forward to partnering with the consortium that brings us proven expertise and an innovative approach to advance the development of the future intercity passenger rail that is frequent, fast and green.”

Cadence consists of CDPQ Infra, SNC-Lavalin, Systra Canada and Keolis Canada. Intercity Rail Developers is the group formed by Intercity Development Partners, EllisDon Capital, Kilmer Transportation, First Rail Holdings, Jacobs, Hatch, CIMA+, First Group, RATP Dev Canada, and Renfe Operadora. And QConnexiON Rail Partners includes Fengate, John Laing, Bechtel, WSP Canada and Deutsche Bahn.

“Today, we’re one step closer to completing the high-frequency train project, which will offer Canadians faster train journeys, more frequent departures and greener travel,” stated Rodrigez. “The project will also connect new communities, like Laval and Trois-Rivières, and allow people in the surrounding areas to benefit as well.”

Once the RFP launches in September, participants will be asked to present their proposal, including a technically and commercially feasible solution, a business plan and a management plan for the co-development, construction, and operations phases of the project.

“This exciting initiative will require strong collaboration between Transport Canada, VIA HFR, and the selected private developer partner to create a sustainable foundation for the design and development of the project,” added Alghabra. “I look forward to the next phase of this project.”

www.tc.gc.ca