Metrolinx, the Regional Municipality of York and Infrastructure Ontario have announced the three teams prequalified to design, build and finance the next phase of York Viva Bus Rapid Transit (vivaNext) rapidways in the cities of Vaughan and Markham.

Based on a request for qualifications issued in December 2013, three teams were prequalified and will be invited to respond to a request for proposals to be issued in late summer 2014. Each prequalified team successfully demonstrated they had the required design and construction capability, experience, and the financial capacity to deliver a project of this size and scope.

The teams invited to bid are:

EDCO

• EllisDon
• Coco Paving Inc.
• IBI Group Inc.
• WSP Canada Inc.
• LEA Consulting Ltd.
• Peto MacCallum Ltd.

m7 Transit Partners

• OHL Construction Canada Inc.
• Miller Infrastructures Inc.
• Black & MacDonald Ltd.
• Delcan Corporation - a Parsons Company
• Morrison Hershfield Ltd.
• Applied Research Associates Inc.
• Urkkada Technology Ltd.
• BMO Capital Markets

York RapidLINK Constructors

• Aecon Construction & Materials Ltd.
• Dufferin Construction Company
• AECOM
• Hatch Mott MacDonald Ltd.
• T2 Utility Engineers Inc.
• National Bank Financial Ltd.

The vivaNext rapidways will reduce travel times and increase reliability of existing transit service along the heavily congested sections of the transit corridors. Dedicated bus lanes will provide fast and reliable transit service, while reducing delays caused by frequent stops to pick up and drop off passengers.

In Vaughan, the next phase of the vivaNext rapidway will include approximately 12 kilometres of dedicated bus lanes on Highway 7 with nine median stations and one curbside station. It will run from Helen Street to Interchange Way/Edgeley Boulevard, and from Bowes Road to Yonge Street via the existing Centre Street and Bathurst Street Viva route.

In Markham, the next phase of the vivaNext rapidways will include approximately two kilometres of rapidway along the Simcoe Promenade and the YMCA Boulevard with two curbside stations. Flexibility will be built into the design to allow for coordination with future development in Markham Centre.

Infrastructure Ontario is responsible for managing the Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) process for this portion of the vivaNext rapidways. Once the contract is awarded, York Region Rapid Transit Corporation (YRRTC) will oversee the construction operations and York Region will operate YRT/Viva service. Metrolinx will retain ownership of the assets.

The York Viva BRT project received $1.4 billion (2009) from the Government of Ontario, and is an example of The Big Move in action - Metrolinx's 25-year plan to implement a common vision for transportation in the GTHA. The project is being implemented by Metrolinx, an agency of the Province of Ontario.

Bruce McCuaig, Metrolinx President and CEO, said:

"This project is part of the more than $16 billion in major transit investment underway to implement The Big Move and shows clear progress toward the goals of alleviating congestion on our roadways and improving the efficiency of public transit in the GTHA. York Region has been a strong transit improvement partner and we look forward to continuing the good work of building much-needed transit service for commuters in this region."

Bill Fisch, York Region Chairman and CEO, said:

"It's an exciting time for York Region as we continue to invest in and build a modern transit system and prepare our communities for future growth. People will benefit from new green spaces, attractive commercial and residential development and more convenient, reliable transportation options."