Project Status Update
Updated: July 2012
Public Meeting
On June 27, 2012, Metrolinx held a
public meeting to provide an update on the Environmental
Assessment process for the electrification of the Air Rail Link,
including the work being done on development of performance
standards and design for electrification of the Kitchener and
Lakeshore rail corridors.
At this public meeting project team members provided information
and an update on the:
- Environmental Assessment process for electrification of the
ARL service along the Kitchener corridor
- Electrification design for the Kitchener and Lakeshore rail
corridors
- Development of performance standards for electrification for
the Kitchener and Lakeshore rail corridors
The intent of this public meeting was to share a status update,
discuss the next steps in the process and gain community feedback
for the upcoming public consultations. This was an introductory
meeting — the formal consultation process is set to begin this fall.
Project Background
Preliminary Design and Environmental Assessment
For the EA to evaluate the electrification of the ARL service, the
Transit Project Assessment Process (or TPAP) will be used.
The EA will look at possible impacts (both negative and positive) associated
with converting the ARL from a diesel to electric operation.
Following a competitive review process, a consultant contract for the
preliminary design and environmental assessment (EA) for the electrification of
the ARL was chosen. The contract was awarded to
Parsons Brinckerhoff, a global consulting
firm with expertise in the planning, development, design, construction,
operation and maintenance of electrification infrastructure construction and
management.
Metrolinx and its consultant team have initiated early, first-phase work to
evaluate electrification of the Air Rail Link, including: i) performance
standards for electrification, ii) advancing the electrification design of the
Kitchener and Lakeshore rail corridors, and iii) carrying out an environmental
assessment (via the Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP)).
As part of continuing to engage stakeholders in the project, Metrolinx
held an initial
Stakeholder Working Session on March 8,
2012 with key stakeholder groups representing a range of interests and
perspectives. Additional stakeholder sessions will be held throughout the study
to provide project updates and to seek feedback and advice. The EA process
(TPAP) for Electrification of the ARL will also include a broader consultation
program to engage members of the public (including property owners), review
agencies, and Aboriginal peoples in the project. The timing and details of
future public open houses and other opportunities to get involved in the project
will be provided as they become available, and will be posted here on the
Electrification web page.
Overview of TPAP Process
Electrification Study: Findings and Final Report
On May 26, 2009, Metrolinx announced that it would be undertaking a one-year
study on the feasibility of electrification of the entire GO rail system. In
comparison to other similar studies, this study was unique as it examined the
entire GO rail system. It was comprehensive in its approach and addressed the
impact of different technologies at a high level of detail. The Study considered
the economic, social, environmental, health, and technological factors for
current and future diesel and electric technologies. The study was completed in
December 2010.
On January 19, 2011, Metrolinx released the findings of its comprehensive study
on the electrification of the entire GO Transit rail system and the future Air
Rail Link (ARL), as a future alternative to Tier-4 diesel trains.
After a careful review of the findings, the staff recommended to the Metrolinx
Board of Directors to proceed with the electrification of the GO Kitchener
(formerly) Georgetown and
Lakeshore corridors in phases, beginning with the ARL on the Kitchener corridor. At its Board meeting on January 26, 2011, the Metrolinx Board of
Directors approved the staff recommendation, subject to provincial funding. The Province of Ontario, through
the Ministry of Transportation, has funded the environmental assessment for Phase 1: the Air
Rail Link from Union Station to Pearson Airport as a first step toward
electrification.
Reference Materials
Shortly after Metrolinx announced that it would undertake a comprehensive study
of the electrification of the entire GO Transit rail system, the Metrolinx Board
of Directors established a
Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to assist in developing the Terms of
Reference for the study.
The CAC provided substantive advice to Metrolinx, helping to shape the Terms of
Reference for the Electrification Study. The CAC, whose mandate was complete
once the Terms of Reference were developed, consisted of a diverse group of
transit and engineering experts, community leaders, GO Transit riders, and urban
planners. Members of the former CAC have been invited to continue their
participation as the Electrification Study continues.
The Big Move
In late 2008, Metrolinx published a Regional Transportation Plan
The Big
Move a multimodal vision for regional transportation to strengthen the
economic, social and environmental sustainability of the Greater Toronto and
Hamilton Area. The Big Move
sets out a fast, frequent and expanded regional rapid transit network as a key
element of the plan. The plan includes establishing Express Rail and Regional
Rail services at speeds and frequencies that could be enhanced by system
electrification.
