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| back to previous page |
May 23, 2003 |
Miscellaneous |
| Transport Minister Announces the First Phase of Toronto Air-Rail Link Project | |
| Transport Minister David Collenette today announced the first phase of the air-rail link project connecting Lester B. Pearson International Airport and Toronto’s Union Station with a proposal call for business cases from the private sector for its development. He was joined by representatives from the Canadian National Railway Company (CN), GO Transit and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. “Today’s announcement confirms my commitment to this important project,” said Mr. Collenette. “Residents of the Greater Toronto Area can now look forward to the day when this dynamic, new transportation service will be supplementing existing public transit options in the region.” Four pre-qualified private groups (PEARL Consortium, Union Pearson Group Inc., GTA LRT Consortium, and Macquarie North America and ARUP) have been asked to submit business cases for the project. This follows a request for expressions of interest which was issued in April 2001. A number of studies completed by Transport Canada have confirmed that the air-rail link would be technically and financially viable. Transport Canada has also worked with key stakeholders including GO Transit, the Canadian National Railway Company and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority to advance the project. The service would operate between Toronto’s Union Station and the new terminal at Lester B. Pearson International Airport, providing direct access to the airport for passengers and commuters. The project is specifically designed to complement existing mass transit systems in the Greater Toronto Area. “I am excited about the prospect of linking Canada’s busiest passenger rail station to Canada’s busiest airport,” said Mr. Collenette. “Toronto is experiencing dynamic growth and development and it is critical to ensure that the city’s transportation infrastructure keeps pace with this continued expansion. This new link will facilitate travel and reduce congestion on the city’s highways.” The Lester B. Pearson International Airport currently handles 80,000 people daily and more than 200,000 people use Union Station each day. The air-rail link could eliminate up to 1.5 million car trips annually in its first few years of operation. Business cases will be submitted in summer 2003. They will be evaluated in accordance with a fair and auditable selection process. The successful applicant is expected to be announced in fall 2003. |
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Contact Information: Amy Butcher Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Transport Ottawa, Ontario (613) 991-0700 |
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Document(s): Click here to download the Conceptual Route Photo in JPEG ( 417 KB ) |
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Association of Canada 99 Bank Street, Suite 901 Ottawa, ON K1P 6B9 Telephone: (613) 567-8591 Fax: (613) 567-6726 |
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Mr. Paul Goyette Director, Communications and Public Affairs Phone: (613) 564-8097 |
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