Ontario government issues RFPs for Ontario Line subway project

The Ontario government earlier this month issued two requests for proposals (RFPs) to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Ontario Line, a 10-mile, 15-station subway extension in Toronto.

Following a request for qualifications process that began in June, teams on the short list are now invited by Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx to bid on two RFP packages for the project, which will be the largest subway expansion in Canadian history, IO officials said in a press release.

The first package includes designing, building, financing, operating and maintaining the subway trains, communications and train control systems, a maintenance and storage facility and fare equipment.

The second package includes designing, building and financing the tunnels and transit stations for the line's southern segment rom Exhibition Place to west of the Don River. The package also includes utility and conduit work and building structures to prepare for track installation.

IO and Metrolinx expect to award contracts in 2022.

The government also released a preliminary design business case for the project, which offers a more detailed understanding of the project's design and benefits for the community. Some benefits mentioned include faster travel and increased transit access and capacity.