Metrolinx, Infrastructure Ontario seek firms to build Hamilton light-rail project

Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario have issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) for firms to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Hamilton B-Line light-rail transit project.

The 6.8-mile route will include 14 stops between McMaster University and Queenstown Circle in Hamilton, Ontario. The project also includes an operations, maintenance and storage facility for light-rail vehicles.

The RFQ marks the first step in the procurement process to select a team to deliver the project, Infrastructure Ontario officials said in a press release. The state-owned company and Metrolinx will evaluate submissions to prequalify project teams with relevant experience and financial capacity for a project of this size and complexity.

Qualified teams will be invited to respond to a request for proposals this summer.

"This important investment in Hamilton will provide a new way to travel on a fast, efficient and reliable integrated transit system," said Bob Chiarelli, Ontario's minister of infrastructure.