Infrastructure Ontario / Metrolinx
The Request for Proposals (RFP) stage has closed for teams submitting SRS package bids for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension project, Infrastructure Canada reported May 7. The 5.7-mile (9.2-kilometer) extension will bring future Eglinton Crosstown LRT service farther west, creating a transit line that will run from Scarborough all the way into Mississauga (see map above).
The SRS package covers design and construction of all seven new stations (four underground, two elevated, and one at-grade/trenched terminus station); works at the existing Mount Dennis Station to connect the extension with the future 11.8-mile (19-kilometer) Eglinton Crosstown LRT, which will feature 25 stations and stops along Eglinton Avenue; six emergency exit buildings along the extension; one stand-alone traction power sub-station; design and construction of 5.7 miles of rail between Mount Dennis Station and the Renforth Station terminus; and installation of signaling and train control systems, communications, electrification (traction power and overhead catenary system), and tunnel and elevated guideway fit out, and tunnel ventilation. The SRS package is being delivered using a progressive design-build delivery model.
Following a Request for Qualifications process, three teams were prequalified and invited to respond to an RFP for the package in September 2024. The following teams submitted proposals by the May 1, 2025, deadline:
1. Integrated Transit Partners
- Applicant Leads: Sacyr Canada Inc., NGE Contracting Inc., and Clearway Construction Inc.
- Design Team: Hatch Ltd., Egis Canada Ltd., and Weston Williamson Partners Ltd.
- Construction Team: NGE Contracting Inc., Sacyr Canada Inc., and Clearway Construction Inc.
2. Trillium Rail Partners
- Applicant Leads: Amico Major Projects Inc., Alberici Constructors, Ltd., and Acciona Infrastructure Canada Inc.
- Design Team: WSP Canada Inc.
- Construction Team members: Amico Major Projects Inc., Alberici Constructors Ltd., and Acciona Infrastructure Canada Inc.
3. WestEx Transit Solutions
- Applicant Leads: Aecon Infrastructure Management Inc., Pomerleau Major Projects Inc., and Flatiron Dragados Canada, Inc.
- Design Team: AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc. and Arcadis Professional Services
- Construction Team: Aecon Infrastructure Management Inc., Pomerleau Major Projects Inc., and Flatiron Dragados Canada, Inc.
Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx are now evaluating the proposals. A team will be selected to enter a development phase with Metrolinx, anticipated for summer 2025, according to Infrastructure Ontario. The development phase, it said, “allows for a collaborative approach between Metrolinx as the project owner and the successful contracting partner to work together to finalize the scope, risk allocation and pricing of various elements for the SRS package of work.”
The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension consists of four major packages of work: the SRS contract; the first advance tunnel contract from Renforth Drive to Scarlett Road (West End Connectors was awarded the contract in 2021); the second advance tunnel contract from Jane Street to Mount Dennis Station (Strabag Inc. landed this design-build contract in February 2024); and the elevated guideway contract between Scarlett Road and Jane Street.
The extension project is being delivered through various Public-Private-Partnership (P3), progressive design-build, and traditional procurement contracts, which are being staggered “to support their successful delivery,” according to Infrastructure Ontario.
LACMTA
William “Bill” Scott has been selected to serve as LACMTA’s first Chief of Police and Emergency Management, effective June 23. With more than 35 years of law enforcement experience, including eight years as Chief of Police in San Francisco and 27 years with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), he returns to the city where he built his career to lead LACMTA’s transition to a new in-house public safety department. The Transit Community Public Safety Department (TCPSD) was approved by the LACMTA Board last June to unify and oversee all safety operations under one command structure.
Scott’s appointment follows a national search and stakeholder engagement process informed by feedback from employees, community members and public safety experts. LACMTA also conducted a series of listening sessions where participants emphasized characteristics they wanted in a new chief.
As Chief, Scott will be responsible for building the department from the ground up, overseeing everything from command staff selection, training standards, to uniforms, technology systems, and deployment strategies. Scott will also lead LACMTA’s security coordination for many upcoming high-profile global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Additionally, he will focus on building a strong internal leadership team, strengthening relationships with local law enforcement agencies and reinforcing LA Metro’s safety culture through clear, consistent communication, the transit agency reported. Key priorities will include engagement with community-based organizations, strengthening ties with the District Attorney’s Office, and “ensuring fairness and transparency in enforcement policies.”
“This moment demands a leader like Chief Scott, who brings vision and integrity to this important role,” LACMTA Board Chair and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said. “He understands that real public safety is about more than enforcement, it’s about trust, transparency and working with the community to make every rider feel safe.”
“We heard the community’s call for a leader who is calm under pressure, emotionally intelligent and politically astute,” LACMTA CEO Stephanie Wiggins said. “Someone who can balance enforcement with empathy and collaboration. Chief Scott brings all of that and more. His experience leading reform in San Francisco, coupled with his decades of service in our own neighborhoods with LAPD, make him uniquely qualified to deliver the safe, responsive and equitable security system our riders deserve. This is a defining moment for Metro’s public safety strategy.”
“This is an incredible opportunity at this point in my career,” Chief Scott said. “How many people can say they have built a public safety operation from the very beginning? I’m honored to be back in L.A., but even more honored to have this chance to lead this next chapter for LA Metro [LACMTA]. Together, we have an opportunity to create something that reflects the values of this region, supports our frontline teams and earns the trust of the public we serve.”
For more about Scott, click here.
Brightline
Brightline on May 7 reported designating Industrious as the official “workplace operator” of four Brightline stations—Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando—as well as a bookable railcar for business meetings or private events. According to the passenger railroad, the stations will offer fully amenitized workspaces ranging from 210 to 652 square feet and can be adapted for individual work, team sessions, or meetings. The bookable railcar, it said, can accommodate up to 66 riders, depending on the configuration. Riders and locals alike can reserve meeting rooms/workspaces or book a private railcar through IndustriousOffice.com.
Both offerings, Brightline said, “provide elevated, on-the-go work environments tailored to the growing demand for hybrid work and more flexible, convenient travel.”
“Picture stepping off the train in Miami for a Friday dinner with friends, but before you wrap the week up you have one more meeting with a high profile client,” said Gentry Long, Chief Commercial Officer of Industrious. “With our collaboration, you can head straight into a private, elegant workspace—no rush, no extra commute. This partnership is about making travel feel effortless and productive, so you can blend work and leisure without skipping a beat. We’re giving people the freedom to explore, enjoy life, and still stay on top of their work—because travel should expand your possibilities, not limit them.”
“Partnering with Industrious reflects our shared commitment to innovation and serving the modern business and leisure traveler,” added Barbara Drahl, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Commercial Strategy at Brightline.
Brightline covers 235 miles between Miami and Orlando (see map above). It launched the first phase of its South Florida operations in 2018, connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Stations in Boca Raton and Aventura opened in 2022. Construction of its 170-mile, $6 billion phase two extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando began in 2019 and service launched in September 2023.
In related news, Brightline and McLaren Applied recently announced a partnership that brings advanced motorsport-inspired technology to passenger rail for the first time.
Amtrak
Amtrak has joined forces with Crayola to promote family travel. Starting May 8, two ACS-64 Sprinter electric locomotives powering Amtrak trains along the Northeast Corridor will showcase Crayola crayon designs. One locomotive is Violet Blue (above) and features the collection of eight retired crayon colors that Crayola recently brought back for a limited time—a first in the company’s 122-year history, according to Amtrak. The second locomotive (below) is a golden yellow, Dandelion, and features crayon character “Dan D, the Crayola Ambassador of Creativity.” Both locomotives display the message “Creativity on the Go!” to highlight the Amtrak-Crayola partnership and to encourage people of all ages to “bring their imagination to life and colorfully express their creativity, anywhere, any time,” Amtrak said.
Amtrak and Crayola are also offering free train and Crayola Experience tickets for children. Here are the details:
- For those heading to the Orlando, Fla., area, now through Aug. 31, 2025, children can travel free in Coach Class or in First Class private rooms on the Amtrak Auto Train. The Auto Train offer is valid for travel from Lorton, Va., to Sanford, Fla., and Sanford, Fla., to Lorton, Va. Three-day advance purchase required.
- With any Amtrak child ticket (travel dates between May 8 and Aug. 31), children will receive free admission to these “Crayola Experience” locations: Easton, Pa.; Mall of America, Minn.; Orlando, Fla.; and Plano, Tex. Amtrak riders must show proof of a child ticket at Crayola Experience check-in counters during the May 8-Aug. 31 travel dates for free entry through Sept. 30.
“Between special savings and imaginative locomotive designs, we are excited to foster extraordinary journeys and inspire creativity across America,” said Jessica Davidson, Amtrak Vice President of Digital and Brand Marketing.
“Our collaboration with Amtrak is the perfect example of how Crayola is bringing our celebration of color and creativity to new and unexpected places,” added Anna Roca, Head of Global Partnerships & Promotions for Crayola.
