Updated January 28, 2010

Metrolinx has awarded the contract for its study of the electrification of the GO Transit rail system to a joint venture of Delcan Corporation and Arup Group Inc.

The comprehensive study will consider all relevant potential benefits and costs associated with replacing diesel with electric propulsion for GO trains. Delcan and Arup were the successful bidders for this assignment following an open competitive process. The study will be released publicly following its completion.

On May 26th 2009, Metrolinx announced that it would do a comprehensive study of the feasibility of electrification of the GO rail system. A Community Advisory Committee was established to advise on the terms of reference for the study.

The study will examine the entire GO rail system and provide a detailed cost-benefit analysis including the economic, social, environmental, health and technological factors for conventional and future diesel and electric technologies.

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The Metrolinx Board of Directors established the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) on July 13th, 2009. The CAC was asked to define the scope of the Electrification Study and recommend the Terms of Reference for consideration by the Metrolinx Board of Directors. Since its' establishment, the CAC has been meeting every two weeks since mid July. The CAC will provide their advice to the Board of Directors at the meeting scheduled for October, 2009. Upon consideration by the Board of Directors, the Terms of Reference will be finalized and a Request for Proposals with be issued shortly thereafter.

The Terms of Reference will ensure that the study takes into account Metrolinx's broader mandate to recommend the best possible investments to improve transportation, the environment, the quality of life and the economy in the GTHA. Metrolinx will be looking for a unique consulting team with expertise in, not only the traditional engineering and operating areas, but also in community outreach, land use opportunities, environmental analysis, medical health assessments, technology options and cost benefit analysis. The study will commence in January 2010 and is to be completed by December 2010.