MILTON – NEWS – The Ontario government, in a significant policy push, has announced an expansive increase in GO train services that will see over 300 additional trips each week across multiple routes. This enhancement, set to begin on April 28, 2024, represents the most substantial expansion in GO train service in more than a decade, aimed at improving connectivity throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and beyond.
Comprehensive Upgrade to GO Transit Announced
Premier Doug Ford highlighted the scope of the project as part of a broader initiative to establish the largest public transit network in North America. “Our government is adding hundreds of additional GO train trips each week for communities across the GTA,” Ford said. This expansion also complements the recent One Fare initiative, allowing free transfers between various transit systems, projected to save the average transit user approximately $1,600 annually.
Impact on Daily Commuters and Economic Growth
The plan includes significant frequency increases, such as 15-minute intervals during weekend peak times on the Lakeshore West and East lines, and new 30-minute midday and evening services on the Kitchener line. Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation, stressed the benefits of this expansion, “Our government is investing in a world-class transit network that connects communities and people to good jobs and affordable housing.”
Local Leaders Praise Transit Developments
Echoing the sentiment of regional benefit, various local leaders expressed their support and outlined the positive impacts expected in their communities. Milton’s Mayor Gordon Krantz appreciated the provincial commitment, stating, “Investing in GO rail service and infrastructure is critical to advancing Milton’s long-term complete community vision.” Similarly, Iain Lovatt, Mayor of Whitchurch-Stouffville, thanked the government for enhancing connectivity that supports local development and makes the municipality a more attractive place to live.
Phil Verster, President and CEO of Metrolinx, expressed his enthusiasm about the expansion: “This is the single biggest enhancement of GO rail service since 2013, bringing the total number of weekly rail trips to 2,307 – a 15.4 percent increase from our current level of service. This will give our customers more flexibility and makes it easier to choose transit first.”
Conclusion
This expansion is a strategic step towards enhancing the transit framework in Ontario, supporting the province’s economic growth and sustainability goals. For Northwestern Ontario and Thunder Bay, these developments offer insights into effective transit strategies that could be emulated to improve local transportation systems and overall community connectivity.
These rail cars are manufactured in Thunder Bay at the Alstom facility.
There is no word if more train cars are needed.
