RFQ Issued for Hamilton LRT

Hamilton LRT map (source: Metrolinx)

Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx have issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for interested parties to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT) project.

“This important investment in Hamilton will provide a new way to travel on a fast, efficient and reliable integrated transit system. As part of the largest infrastructure investment in the province’s history, this important project will generate economic benefits for the Hamilton area, create jobs, and keep people moving,” said Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure in a release.

The RFQ outlines the scope of work required for the Hamilton LRT B-Line, which includes:

• 11 kilometres of new dedicated rapid transit between McMaster University to Queenston Circle
• 14 stops along Main Street / King Street corridor with connections to the Hamilton bus network and close to the Hamilton GO Centre station
• An operations, maintenance and storage facility for the light rail vehicles
• Procurement of a fleet of light rail vehicles and operations of the system

The Hamilton LRT will deliver service along one of Hamilton’s busiest transit corridors with the purpose of enhancing direct connections with the regional transit network.

“This is an exciting first step in the Hamilton LRT procurement process. Today marks a significant project milestone and puts Hamilton one step closer to rapid and reliable light rail transit in 2024,” said Bruce McCuaig, president and CEO, Metrolinx, in the release.

The RFQ is the first step in the procurement process. Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx will prequalify project teams with qualified teams receiving an invite to respond to a Request for Proposals, anticipated later this summer.

• The project is procured as a design, build, finance, operate, maintain contract using Infrastructure Ontario’s Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) delivery model. AFP transfers the appropriate risks associated with design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of the project to the private sector.
• Projects that are delivered using IO’s AFP model have a track record of being 96 per cent on budget and 73 per cent on time or within one month of the scheduled substantial completion date.
• Metrolinx has been working closely with the City of Hamilton to further advance the Hamilton LRT project and will continue to work in close partnership as the project progresses.

Interested companies must register with www.merx.com to download the RFQ.