A GO train pulls out of Union Station in downtown Toronto in the 1990s

Transit Procurement Initiative

Transit Procurement Initiative (TPI) Overview

Metrolinx’s Transit Procurement Initiative (TPI) is one of North America’s most innovative transit procurement programs. Since the program began in 2006, TPI has conducted 27 joint procurements for 54 transit agency partners. The TPI team helps small, medium and large transit systems across the province save tax-payer dollars. The team is comprised of industry experienced staff who develop performance-based technical specifications and tender documents, evaluate and award procurements and manage contracts for the entire lifecycle.

Cost Savings for Municipalities

Municipalities that participate in TPI’s contracts are estimated to save between 5% - 20% based on:

  1. Bulk purchasing quantities
  2. Elimination of internal procurement resource requirements
  3. TPI’s contract management services
  4. The highest procurement quality based on the amalgamation of inputs from transit agencies of all sizes
  5. Extended warranties and greater dealer/manufacturer support than what is typically accepted in a single RFP
  6. Price protection through multi-year contracts

For smaller transit agencies, TPI’s contracts provide access to goods and services that may not otherwise be available to them. Joint procurement contracts also enable chassis securement in a difficult supply chain environment.

Program Highlights

  • 39 active transit partners
  • 98 % average client satisfaction rate
  • $46.5 million in cumulative program savings and cost avoidance
  • Cumulative contract value is over $1.07 billion
  • Over 2,500 buses ordered

Current Joint Procurements

Contract

Number of Partners

Expiry Date

12- & 18-Metre Diesel, Hybrid & Compressed Natural Gas Bus

11

Jan. 2027

Battery Electric Bus Feasibility Study

14

Apr. 2024

6-Metre Minibus

7

Jul. 2024

7- & 8-Metre Bus

9

Oct. 2024

Batteries

6

Mar. 2025

12- & 18-Metre Electric Bus

10

Oct. 2025

Upcoming Joint Procurements

Contract

Estimated Award Date

Electric Bus Charging Systems

Q2 2024

6- to 8-Metre Gas Bus

Q4 2024

6- to 8-Metre Electric Bus

Q4 2024

Past Joint Procurements

Contract

Award Year

12- & 18-Metre Diesel Bus

2009, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2020

9- & 10.5-Metre Diesel Bus

2009, 2011, 2018

7- & 8-Metre Bus

2010, 2012, 2015, 2018

6-Metre Minibus

2017

Transit Inventory Management Services

2011

ITS/AVL*

2016

Onboard Video Surveillance Systems

2017

*Intelligent Transit Systems/Automatic Vehicle Location

TPI’s FY2022-23 Annual Report

TPI is pleased to release its 10th Annual Report. The report provides an overview of the program’s achievements and successes as TPI continues to service transit agencies across the province.

View the annual report here.

Transit Partner Feedback

"The overall experience was fantastic, great work by the Metrolinx team in pulling this joint procurement together. We're looking forward to a continued partnership."

“TPI has always been very professional, knowledgeable, and prompt when dealing with any questions or concerns. TPI makes the procurement process seamless for municipalities. I look forward to working with TPI on future projects.”

“Not only did participation generate time and cost savings opportunities; it also opened the door to network and collaborate with other transit agencies across the province and share best practice-solutions for the design-configuration and installation of the camera system.”

Contact Us

Kristy Mlakar, Manager Kristy.mlakar@metrolinx.com

416.319.0265