Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario (IO) have executed an agreement with ONxpress Transportation Partners (ONxpress) to enter the Development Phase of the On-Corridor Works project – the largest project in Metrolinx’s GO Rail Expansion program.
IO says the multi-billion dollar capital program will transform the regional rail network with electrification, more frequent service, shorter journey times and a more modernized system for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Region.
ONxpress is comprised of Canadian and international companies with the expertise to deliver a complex regional rail project:
- Applicant Lead: Aecon Concessions, a division of Aecon Construction Group Inc., ALSTOM Holdings SA, FCC Construccion S.A., Deutsche Bahn International Operations GmbH
- Systems and Integration Team: ALSTOM Transport Canada Inc.
- Construction, Design and Engineering Team: Aecon Infrastructure Management Inc., ALSTOM Transport Canada Inc., FCC Construccion S.A., WSP Canada Inc., Hatch Corporation,
- Fixed Infrastructure Maintenance Team: Deutsche Bahn International Operations GmbH, Aecon O&M, a division of Aecon Construction Group Inc.
- Operator Team: Deutsche Bahn International Operations GmbH, Aecon O&M, a division of Aecon Construction Group Inc.
The GO Expansion On-Corridor Works package is a single, innovative, fully-integrated contract to run more and better service for the regional GO rail system. ONxpress is responsible for designing, building, operating and maintaining all GO Rail infrastructure and trains for 25 years. This includes all works that facilitate train service, such as track, civil infrastructure, signalling, electrification infrastructure and electric vehicles, as well as the operations and maintenance of the GO rail network:
- Operation of train services including train crewing
- Timetable planning and train control for all operators across the GO-owned network
- Design, construction, integration of the railway corridor (civil infrastructure, tracks, systems, signaling, etc.)
- Maintenance and rehabilitation of new railway corridor assets and select existing railway corridor assets
- Maintenance, servicing and cleaning of all rolling stock and, if required, procurement of new electric vehicles
- Construction of new maintenance and train storage and/or layover facilities
- Reconstruction of Union Station track and platforms
- Compliance with Metrolinx safety, security and emergency management policies
The goal is to deliver 15-minute or better, all-day service on the core GO Transit lines – Lakeshore West, Kitchener, Barrie, Stouffville, and Lakeshore East lines – to transform the way this region will move and to make it easier for customers to get to where they need to go.
As On-Corridor Works is a complex regional project with multiple external interfaces, stakeholders, utility and operational elements, it is being delivered as a Progressive DBOM (design-build-operate-maintain) model.
In a Progressive model, the project features a collaborative approach between the project owner and the contracting partner. Before the project’s contractual schedule and price can be finalized, the parties will enter a Development Phase – a multi-stage design process, whereby Metrolinx as project owner, and ONxpress as contracting partner, work closely together to finalize the scope, risk allocation and pricing of various elements of the project. The magnitude of On-Corridor Works requires a two-year Development Phase to progress the design and construction of any early works for the project. Contract cost and schedule will be shared publicly once this phase is completed in 2024. In the meantime, project details, community consultations and other important updates during this time will be posted to Metrolinx’s website.
ONxpress was evaluated and selected based on criteria identified in the Request for Proposals process that began in May 2019. Criteria included design and construction methodology, operations and maintenance approach, including train service planning, approach to managing the project, collaborative behaviours of key individuals of the teams and indicative pricing for the project.
The On-Corridor Works project was procured through an open, fair and competitive procurement process overseen by a third-party fairness monitor.
The On-Corridor Works assets will remain publicly owned by the Province of Ontario and managed by Metrolinx as part of its GO Rail regional program.
For more information about the project, visit Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx.
