Metrolinx purchases tunnel boring machines for Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit project
Lovat Inc. of Toronto awarded $54 million contract
TORONTO (July 28, 2010) – Metrolinx continues to move forward its bold 5 in 10 Plan, a vision to improve transit in Toronto, with the $54 million contract with Lovat Inc. to purchase four tunnel boring machines (TBMs) for the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) project.
The Eglinton Crosstown LRT project will take more cars off the road, improve air quality, create approximately 46,000 jobs, reduce travel times and support a stronger regional transit system in the Greater Toronto Area. The project is estimated to cost $4.6 billion and will be completed by 2020.
“This contract with Lovat reaffirms our commitment to public transit and job creation,” said Ontario Minister of Transportation, Kathleen Wynne. “The Eglinton Crosstown LRT is the largest of the Big 5 transit projects and as part of our Open Ontario plan it’s important that we continue moving forward on our strategic infrastructure investments.”
On June 14, 2010, Ontario Transportation Minister Kathleen Wynne announced approval of the Metrolinx 5 in 10 Plan. The 5 in 10 Plan will build the Big 5 transit projects by 2020 with a budget of $9.5 billion – while saving $4 billion in the first five years from the original timeline. The Big 5 projects include the Eglinton LRT, the Sheppard LRT, the Scarborough RT refurbishment and extension, the Finch LRT and the York VivaNext project.
“With the purchase of these tunnel boring machines, we are reaching another important milestone in the execution of Metrolinx’s 5 in 10 Plan to build the Big 5 transit projects,” said J. Robert S. Prichard, President and CEO of Metrolinx. “This progress is important, and it reinforces our continued commitment to improving public transit.”
The contract with Lovat is valued at $54 million. The TBMs will be manufactured by Lovat, which employs approximately 380 people at its Toronto location. Tunnelling will commence under Eglinton Avenue in the spring of 2011.
The Eglinton Crosstown LRT is a two phase 31-kilometre long rapid transit project through the Eglinton Avenue corridor that will connect Kennedy Station to Pearson Airport. The first phase runs from Jane St. in the west to Kennedy station in the east and includes an 11km underground tunnel in the centre section.
Province approves Metrolinx 5 in 10 Plan
Metrolinx moves forward with $770 million purchase of Light Rail Vehicles from Bombardier, creating 4000 direct and indirect jobs, supporting public transit
TORONTO (June 14, 2010) – Metrolinx has received approval of its 5 in 10 Plan, which will see all of the Big 5 transit projects completed over the next 10 years. The Province’s approval enables Metrolinx to sign a contract with Bombardier for the purchase of Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) for use on the new lines.
"We know that the Big 5 transit projects are integral to an economically vibrant and sustainable future for a part of the province which is expected to grow considerably over the coming decades," said Ontario Minister of Transportation, Kathleen Wynne. "The contract between Metrolinx and Bombardier demonstrates our commitment to public transit and job creation. Strategic infrastructure investments, like this, are all part of the McGuinty government’s Open Ontario plan to create and support jobs today and build foundations for tomorrow."
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July 28, 2010
Province appoints new Metrolinx Chair and President and CEO
Rob Prichard named new Chair of the Board of Directors
Bruce McCuaig named new President and CEO
TORONTO (July 28, 2010) – The Province of Ontario today filled two key positions for public transit in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Rob Prichard, the current President and CEO of Metrolinx, has been named Chair of the Board of Directors of Metrolinx. Bruce McCuaig, currently the Deputy Minister of Transportation for the Ontario Government, has been named the new President and CEO of Metrolinx. Rob MacIsaac, the current Chair of the Board will be stepping down to focus on his work as President of Mohawk College.
“Under the leadership of Rob Prichard and Bruce McCuaig, Metrolinx will be well suited to implement the historic 5 in 10 Plan as part of the Big Move,” said Ontario Minister of Transportation, Kathleen Wynne. “I also want to thank Rob MacIsaac for his support and advice to government over the past three years. I wish him well in his future.”
Bruce McCuaig comes to the role of President and CEO from a long history of public service in the transportation sector and beyond. Bruce has been in the Ontario public service for over 25 years, having served first in the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the last 15 years in the Ministry of Transportation.
“Bruce has always been a strong champion for Metrolinx and GO Transit,” said current President and CEO, Rob Prichard, “he is widely respected through the Ontario Public Service and nationally in the field of transportation and will be a great leader for this organization. I would also like to thank Rob MacIsaac for his tireless leadership over the past three years as Metrolinx went from an idea to a thriving regional transit agency. We cannot thank him enough for what he has done for public transit in this region.”
“While sorry to leave, I am very pleased with the leadership team and the organization that has developed over the past few years,” said Rob MacIsaac, current Chair of the Metrolinx Board. “I am very confident that Rob Prichard and Bruce McCuaig will lead this organization to even greater heights.”
“I am very pleased to move from CEO to Chair of Metrolinx,” added Rob Prichard. “Over the past fifteen months, we have accomplished a great deal: merged GO Transit and Metrolinx, built an excellent Board and senior management team, moved ahead on all of our key priorities, expanded and strengthened GO Transit and set a course for the future. As Chair, I look forward to working with the Board, Bruce McCuaig and his team to deliver on Metrolinx’s important mandate.”
The new appointments will be effective September 4th, 2010.
April 12, 2010
Metrolinx Statement to the Public: Light Rail Vehicle
TORONTO (April 12, 2010) – Metrolinx will be entering into formal negotiations with Bombardier Inc. to exercise the option from the replacement streetcar contract to purchase Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs).
The negotiations with Bombardier to procure LRVs are part of Metrolinx's phased plan which is being developed for the four Light Rail Transit (LRT) projects as requested by the Province.
In June, 2009, following an open competitive procurement process, Bombardier was awarded the original contract to produce vehicles for TTC’s legacy streetcar replacement. This contract contains an option clause that provides Metrolinx with the ability to purchase additional LRVs from Bombardier for the four LRT projects.
Over the past six months, Metrolinx, with the assistance of the TTC and the international transit car expert LTK Engineering Services, evaluated its procurement alternatives. Metrolinx, with the unanimous support of its Board of Directors, concluded that entering the negotiation to exercise the option would obtain the best value for Ontario.
If the negotiations are successful, Metrolinx will announce the details of the procurement when an agreement is reached.
J. Robert S. Prichard
President and CEO, Metrolinx
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