In 2019, John Laing invested in the Hurontario Light Rail Transit (‘LRT’) project to design, build, finance, operate, maintain and rehabilitate PPP for an 18 km double track LRT system with a 35-year concession located in Canada, in the Province of Ontario. The project includes 18 surface stops and 1 below grade station, a fleet of 28 light rail vehicles, and an operations, maintenance and storage facility. The LRT will also be fully integrated with municipal transit systems including connections to GO Transit lines and transitways.

Powered by the comparatively low carbon intensity electricity grid of greater Toronto, it is expected that the LRT system will contribute to an estimated annual greenhouse gas emission reduction of 4,000 CO2 tonnes starting in 2031 by replacing diesel buses and reducing congestion in the corridor.

Green finance initiatives

Green financial instruments are key for developing a sustainable future. Together with our Mobilinx partners and the Province of Ontario, John Laing was able to raise funds for the project through the issuance of green bonds and achieve a Green Evaluation by S&P of 87 of 100 (with 93 out of 100 for LRTs mitigation of climate change).

The project also supports a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver certified operations, maintenance and service facility building as well as separated and raised bicycle paths alongside the rail.