Feds launch RFP process for HFR project
The federal government has launched a request for proposals process to determine which consortium will help design and deliver a high-speed rail project between the Québec City to Toronto corridor.
Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez announced the launch of the process on October 13. The RFP will be open until next summer.
Bidders are being asked to develop two solutions with respect to speed. One must include trains that can reach a maximum speed of 200 kilometres per hour. The other must include high-speed segments for faster travel.
Currently, VIA Rail trains can travel up to a maximum speed of 160 kilometres per hour, with operating speeds of between 60 and 120 kilometres per hour, depending on the segment.
The government expects this approach will allow for a rigorous assessment of the costs and benefits of incorporating high speed rail on each segment of the corridor.
As part of the RFP process, bidders will also be required to detail their plans for Indigenous participation in the HFR project and how they would facilitate opportunities for sharing the socio-economic benefits with Indigenous Peoples.
“The launch of the Request for Proposals for the High Frequency Rail project marks a significant milestone,” Rodriguez said. “In the future, more Canadians will choose to travel by rail, because the HFR will lead to faster train journeys, more frequent departures and greener travel. I look forward to seeing how the teams participating in this process will approach the challenge of connecting communities, honouring Indigenous Reconciliation, and improving travel in the Québec City to Toronto corridor.”
In July, the federal government announced that three teams had been pre-qualified to bid on the project. Cadence includes CDPQ Infra, AtkinsRéalis (formerly known as SNC-Lavalin), Systra Canada, and Keolis Canada. Intercity Rail Developers includes Intercity Development Partners, Kilmer Transportation, First Rail Holdings, Jacobs, Hatch, CIMA+, First Group, RATP Dev Canada, and Renfe Operadora. QConnexiON Rail Partners includes Fengate, John Laing, Bechtel, WSP Canada, and Deutsche Bahn.
Budget 2022 provided Transport Canada and Infrastructure Canada with close to $400 million over two years, starting in 2022-23, to continue advancing key project activities and undertake the procurement phase of the project.