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2/21/2023
Transport Canada (TC) last week issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) for the Toronto-Quebec City high-frequency rail project.
The government will identify up to three candidates that will be invited to participate in the request for proposal (RFP) process, which is expected to begin this summer, TC officials said in a press release. The procurement process will help select a private developer partner to work with VIA HFR — the newly created subsidiary of VIA Rail Canada Inc. — to design and develop the project.
The procurement process is designed to encourage innovation, provide flexibility and identify the optimal solution for the project, TC officials said. RFQ respondents will be able to consider alternatives to meet or exceed the project results, including opportunities to increase travel speeds beyond 124 mph, if it’s cost effective to do so.
To qualify as a candidate, respondents must demonstrate a capacity for reconciliation with Indigenous peoples by developing the project to create mutually beneficial socioeconomic development opportunities.
High-frequency rail will reduce pollution and provide better and faster service between Quebec City, Trois-Rivieres, Montreal, Ottawa, Peterborough and Toronto.