Canada begin new phase of procurement process for High Frequency Rail

The Government of Canada have announced that it is launching a Request for Expressions of Interest seeking the advice and views from the industry on the High Frequency Rail project, launching the next phase in the procurement process for High Frequency Rail

High Frequency Rail is the largest transportation infrastructure project that Canada has seen in decades. Recognising the project’s size and scale, the Government of Canada is now seeking world- class knowledge and private sector expertise for all aspects of the project.

High Frequency Rail can transform passenger rail service in Canada through the creation of a faster, more frequent, more accessible and more sustainable rail service among the major centres of Québec City, Trois-Rivières, Montréal, Ottawa, Peterborough and Toronto.

The Request for Expressions of Interest marks a major step in supporting the procurement phase for the High Frequency Rail project. It is an opportunity to communicate the Government of Canada’s plan for advancing the project; seek feedback from experienced private sector companies to help shape the High Frequency Rail project; and provide information to industry so interested parties can prepare for subsequent phases of the procurement process, including the Request for Qualifications and the Request for Proposal.

As the participation of Indigenous Peoples is essential to the success of High Frequency Rail, the Government of Canada will seek a private sector partner that prioritises and values meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples. The Government of Canada will carefully consider the views of Indigenous Peoples throughout the project and encourage collaboration with Indigenous businesses.

VIA Rail and its employees are central to the success of High Frequency Rail and will continue to play a key role across Canada as our national passenger rail provider. The High Frequency Rail service could be fully operational in the early 2030s.

“High Frequency Rail is a transformational project that promises to fundamentally change the way Canadians travel in southern Ontario and Quebec, improving accessibility, and providing more travel flexibility,” Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, said. “The Request for Expressions of Interest marks the first major step in the development and advancement of this project.”

“Many key benefits would be provided to travellers through an electrified High Frequency Rail system,” Annie Koutrakis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, said. “There will be shorter travel times and faster trains, improved on-time performance, higher frequencies, and more direct routes with improved connectivity between cities and to other modes of transportation.”