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Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx have issued a request for proposals (RFP) to the shortlisted teams to develop the Finch West Light Rail Transit PPP project in Toronto, Canada.

The preferred bidder will have to design, build, finance and maintain the new rail infrastructure during the 30 year concession period. The shortlisted teams are the following:

• Humber Valley Transit Partners. Developers: SNC-Lavalin and Graham; Contractors: SNC-Lavalin and Graham; Service Provider: SNCLavalin and ACI; Financial Advisor: National Bank and Scotia Capital.
• Mosaic Transit Group. Developers: ACS Infrastructure, Aecon and CRH; Contractors: ACS, Aecon and CRH; Service Provider: ACS, Aecon and CRH; Financial Advisor: RBC Capital Markets.
• FACT Partners: Developers: EllisDon and Bechtel; Contractors: EllisDon and Bechtel; Service Provider: EllisDon, Bechtel and Herzog Transit; Financial Advisor: EllisDon Capital.

The new LRT, located along Finch Avenue West in the city's northwest end, will be integrated with the city's existing transit system. Specifically, 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; and a maintenance and storage facility for the light rail vehicles

The total project investment is estimated at CAD$1 billion (US$726.2 million), and is funded as part of the $8.4 billion commitment by the Province of Ontario to transit expansion in Toronto.

Early works are expected to commence during this year 2016, with the start of major construction works expected to begin by 2017.

Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation, stated:

“The Finch West LRT line will help create jobs and transform priority neighbourhoods along Finch Avenue West into vibrant communities accessible to motorists, transit riders, cyclists and pedestrians alike. The LRT service will move more people, faster than bus service today, through the busy Finch West corridor. It will also provide interregional connects through GO Transit bus services, as well as Mississauga and Brampton local bus services at Humber College.

Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, commented:

“Growing the economy and creating jobs is the top priority for our government, and this includes building transportation infrastructure for Ontarians in all parts of the province. As part of our commitment to building modern, sustainable infrastructure, this government is investing in the Finch West LRT as a priority project. Our alternate financing procurement model allows us to deliver on key projects while maintaining fiscal responsibility. I look forward to getting the LRT up and running to better serve the people of Toronto and the Finch West corridor.”

Bruce McCuaig, President and CEO, Metrolinx, said:

“Once in service, the Finch West LRT line will increase the transit capacity by three times per trip as compared to the existing bus trip capacity today. This project forms part of the Government of Ontario’s $8.4 billion (2010$) commitment to expand rapid transit in the City of Toronto, and is included in The Big Move, Metrolinx’s regional transportation plan for Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).”

Bert Clark, President and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario, added:

“IO is pleased to announce we have three strong teams vying for this AFP project. While they are under a tight schedule to prepare their bids, we are committed to getting the right team in place to start construction.”