In February, the government launched a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) – a crucial step towards selecting a private developer partner who will work collaboratively with VIA HFR to design and develop the High Frequency Rail project.
The Government of Canada has now announced the outcome of the RFQ stage, with three groups invited to move to the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage.
The three consortia are:
- Cadence (CDPQ Infra, SNC-Lavalin, Systra Canada, Keolis Canada).
- Intercity Rail Developers (Intercity Development Partners, EllisDon Capital, Kilmer Transportation, First Rail Holdings, Jacobs, Hatch, CIMA+, First Group, RATP Dev Canada, Renfe Operadora)
- QConnexiON Rail Partners (Fengate, John Laing, Bechtel, WSP Canada, Deutsche Bahn).
Once the RFP launches this 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 approach will incentivize respondents to identify and prioritize the benefits to Canadians in their proposals, while providing them with the flexibility to take innovative approaches to meet or exceed the desired project outcomes.
High Frequency Rail is a transformational project that promises to fundamentally change the way Canadians travel in southern Ontario and Québec, improving accessibility, and providing more travel flexibility. The HFR network will include mainly new, electrified and dedicated tracks that extend over 1,000km. Travelling speeds could eventually reach 200km/h.
“The qualification of these three teams confirms that our bold project is on track, on schedule and gaining momentum. 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,” said Robert Pritchard
chair of the board of directors, VIA HFR – VIA TGF.