Cadence Consortium selected as Preferred Developer for Canada’s Alto High-Speed Rail Project

Montreal, Canada (Urban Transport News): The Government of Canada has selected the Cadence consortium as the preferred private developer partner for the highly anticipated Alto rail project, which will connect Quebec City and Toronto. This selection marks a significant milestone in advancing modern, efficient, and sustainable transportation infrastructure across major Canadian cities.

The Cadence team, composed of CDPQ Infra, AtkinsRéalis, Keolis, SYSTRA, SNCF Voyageurs, and Air Canada, brings world-class expertise in passenger transportation infrastructure. With strong roots in Canada and a wealth of international experience, the consortium is well-positioned to collaborate with Alto, the Crown corporation responsible for the project’s implementation.

A Transformative Project for Canada

The Alto rail project aims to revolutionize mobility in Canada, enhancing connectivity and economic productivity while addressing climate goals and fostering reconciliation with Indigenous communities. Jean-Marc Arbaud, President and CEO of CDPQ Infra, emphasized the project's transformative nature:

“This landmark project is set to revolutionize mobility in Canada for future generations. The Cadence consortium’s unparalleled expertise, synergy, and successful track record offer Alto a trusted partner to bring this visionary project to life at the best possible cost.”

Cadence’s members collectively bring decades of experience in designing, developing, and operating high-speed rail systems. Their involvement ensures the project is executed efficiently and sustainably, benefiting Canadian communities for years to come.

Project Scope and Economic Impact

The Alto rail corridor will link key cities including Quebec City, Trois-Rivières, Montreal, Laval, Ottawa, Peterborough, and Toronto. By improving connectivity between these urban centers, the project is expected to drive economic growth, create jobs, and encourage local investment.

Infrastructure projects like Alto also contribute to reducing carbon emissions by promoting rail travel as a sustainable alternative to road and air transport. The project aligns with Canada’s climate commitments and long-term economic resilience goals.

Industry Leaders Join Forces

Members of the Cadence consortium expressed their enthusiasm for the project:

• AtkinsRéalis: “We are incredibly proud to be part of this historic project, which promises to drastically transform mobility across Canada, reduce carbon emissions, and bolster our economy,” said Stéphanie Vaillancourt, President, Canada, AtkinsRéalis.

• Keolis: “Through our involvement from the early design stages, we integrate our operator culture to ensure a passenger-centered approach, making the passenger experience a truly differentiating advantage,” stated Marie-Ange Debon, Group CEO, Keolis.

• SYSTRA: “We are thrilled to be associated with Canada’s initiative and vision for transforming the way people travel in the country,” said Jean-Charles Vollery, Group CEO, SYSTRA.

• SNCF Voyageurs: “We look forward to developing a new transport experience that will meet the sustainable and efficient mobility needs of travelers,” said Alain Krakovitch, Director, TGV-INTERCITÉS, SNCF Voyageurs.

• Air Canada: “We are proud to contribute to the positive economic impact of the project and its integration with the entire air transport ecosystem for the benefit of all travelers in Canada,” said Michael Rousseau, President and CEO of Air Canada.

Next Steps

The call for proposals for the Alto project was launched in October 2023. Since then, Cadence has leveraged its collective expertise to develop a proposal that aligns with the ambitious vision set by the Canadian government. As the preferred developer, Cadence will work closely with Alto to finalize project details and begin implementation.

With its blend of international expertise and local commitment, the Cadence consortium is poised to make the Alto rail project a reality, offering Canadians a new era of sustainable and efficient transportation.