Ontario to redevelop GO Transit station into Toronto transportation hub

Ontario officials plan to redevelop a GO Transit station in Toronto into a "major transit station" that integrates subway, regional rail and inter-regional bus services, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation announced April 3.

The redevelopment includes the area around GO Transit’s Kipling Station and the Toronto Transit Commission's Kipling subway station. The upgrades also will enable GO Transit to increase service on its Milton corridor as well as support its Regional Express Rail (RER) project. RER will provide faster, more frequent service on the GO Transit network and is Canada's largest commuter-rail project, according to a press release.

On Monday, Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario issued a request for proposals for interested parties to design, build and finance the project. Three bidders were selected in the request for qualifications process that began in November 2016: Bird/Kiewit JV, EllisDon Infrastructure Transit and Kipling Infrastructure Partnership. A successful bidder is expected to be announced in fall 2017.
 
The scope of work at Kipling Station includes an elevated pedestrian bridge; a pedestrian underground tunnel; a new entrance; renovations to the existing station building and existing TTC pedestrian pick-up and drop off building; a new bus terminal building; complete site infrastructure, including parking upgrades; and improved vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian access.

"Now that the request for proposals has been issued to the three prequalified proponents, Metrolinx can mark yet another milestone in our efforts to bring an enhanced customer experience and to provide faster, more frequent service on the GO rail network," said Metrolinx President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce McCuaig.