TORONTO - On behalf of Metrolinx, Infrastructure Ontario today announced that AirLINX Transit Partners is the preferred bidder selected to design, build, and finance a three-kilometre rail line for the Air Rail Link (ARL) and an ARL passenger station at Toronto Pearson International Airport.  

Metrolinx will own and operate the ARL, providing an express rail service between Canada's two busiest transportation hubs - Toronto Union Station and Toronto Pearson International Airport (Toronto Pearson). The ARL will be in service in time for the TO2015 Pan / Parapan American Games and the service is expected to eliminate 1.2 million car trips in the first year of operation alone.  

The selection of AirLINX Transit Partners as the preferred bidder is the result of an open, fair and competitive procurement process, which was overseen by a fairness advisor. AirLINX Transit Partners consortium's key team members include:  

  • Aecon Construction and Materials Ltd. 
  • Dufferin Construction Company 

Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx will begin negotiating contract details with the preferred bidder. The project cost will be announced publicly following completion of negotiations and financial close, which are both expected in early 2012. Construction of the three-kilometre rail line is expected to begin in spring 2012.

The three-kilometre rail line will branch off the Weston Subdivision (GO Georgetown corridor) and connect to Toronto Pearson with a new passenger station at Terminal 1. 

This section of the ARL project will be delivered using the Province's alternative financing and procurement (AFP) delivery method, which is managed by Infrastructure Ontario. 

Metrolinx is an agency of the Province of Ontario. The Air Rail Link project is just one way Metrolinx is working to transform the regional transportation system in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Areas. 

Infrastructure Ontario, a Crown corporation, delivers some of the province's larger and more complex infrastructure renewal projects - ensuring they are built on time and on budget; manages one of the largest real estate portfolios in Canada, including providing asset management and property and land management; and provides the public sector and not-for-profit organizations with long-term financing to renew public infrastructure. 

Quotes: 

Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure, Minister of Transportation 
“The Government of Ontario is making it more convenient for residents, businesses and travellers by creating a transit link between Pearson International Airport and Toronto's downtown core. The Air Rail Link project is part of our government's long-term infrastructure plan, Building Together, which builds on the government's unprecedented infrastructure investments to date and will improve our economy, our environment and our quality of life.”

Bruce McCuaig, President and CEO, Metrolinx 
“The Air Rail Link is a signature project for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area that will provide a great new transportation option between our nation's two busiest transportation hubs. Metrolinx has already begun the work to deliver this vital service to Toronto and the GTHA in time for the Pan Am Games." 

Lloyd McCoomb, President and CEO, Greater Toronto Airports Authority 
“It's another positive step forward for this project and we look forward to working with the successful bidder” said Lloyd McCoomb, President and CEO, Greater Toronto Airports Authority. “Connecting Canada's largest airport to Toronto's downtown via a comfortable and reliable transportation option is an important service for our airport guests. This is a critical piece of the transportation equation for our region, good for the environment and Ontario's global competitiveness.” 

Contacts:  

Paulette den Elzen    
Infrastructure Ontario      
416 327-5764      

Vanessa Thomas
Media Relations, Metrolinx
416 874-5974

Andrew Teliszewsky  
Ministry of Transportation
416 327-9134

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