Alto – previously known as High Frequency Rail (HFR) – is a proposed transformational rail project for the east of Canada. The network will include mainly new, electrified and dedicated tracks that will extend over 1,000 km, connecting the major cities of Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, and Québec City. The intent is to provide a frequent and fast passenger rail service on modern, accessible trains with improved operational performance, which will help to reduce intercity transportation’s carbon footprint whilst transforming the customer experience.

The Canadian Government is seeking a partner to co-develop the project with them, bringing on board expertise in finance, infrastructure development, engineering and rail operations and maintenance. An international competition was launched to select a partner; an Expression of Interest (EOI) process was held to select three consortia, which were then taken forward to bid.

Direx Solutions provided strategic, commercial and technical support to a major international operator, who was a member of a bidding consortia, throughout the Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI) and the Request for Proposals (RFP) phases of procurement.

Our support included the provision of commercial advice, from an operations perspective, on the draft contracts produced for the co-development phase of the project; leadership on Delivery Plans for Inter-Operability and Host Railways; and general advice across the operations and maintenance Delivery Plans.