MILTON — The Ontario government is moving ahead with the largest GO train service expansion in more than a decade, adding more than 300 trips per week on the Milton, Lakeshore West, Lakeshore East, Kitchener and Stouffville lines. The 15 per cent increase in weekly trips will give commuters more choice to get where they need to go faster.
“As part of our work to get it done on the largest public transit expansion in North America, our government is adding hundreds of additional GO train trips each week for communities across the GTA,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Today’s announcement, along with our recent introduction of free transfers between different transit systems through One Fare, will help get people across the region where they need to go faster, while saving the average transit rider $1,600 every year.”
"Our government is delivering the largest public transit expansion in North America by adding more than 300 trips per week on the Milton, Lakeshore West, Lakeshore East, Kitchener and Stouffville lines," said Stephen Lecce, MPP for King-Vaughan. "This expansion along with the introduction of One Fare will help commuters across the GTA get to where they need to go faster while saving $1,600 every year."
Starting April 28, 2024, weekend train service will increase from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes in the afternoon and evening on the Lakeshore West and Lakeshore East lines between Oakville GO Station, Union Station and Durham College Oshawa GO Station. For the first time, riders on the Kitchener line will also benefit from new 30-minute weekday service during midday and evenings between Bramalea and Union Station.
“As Ontario’s population continues to grow, our government is investing in a world-class transit network that connects communities and people to good jobs and affordable housing,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “We’re delivering on our plan to bring more reliable, convenient two-way, all-day GO train service to commuters in the Greater Golden Horseshoe.”
The province is also adding evening train service seven days a week on the Stouffville line, as well as an additional morning rush hour trip to Union Station for commuters in Milton and an afternoon rush hour trip from Union Station to Milton GO. For transit riders going to and from Pearson Airport, every second UP Express train (every 30 minutes) will be non-stop between Union Station and Pearson Airport, providing commuters with a more direct and convenient option for airport transfers seven days a week.
“Investing in GO rail service and infrastructure is critical to advancing Milton’s long-term complete community vision,” said Mayor Gordon Krantz, Town of Milton. “Additional GO rail service trips in Milton further connects people to jobs, students to learning, stimulates our economy, fosters housing builds in our transit corridors and improves connections to other transit services. We thank the Government of Ontario for this investment, demonstrating a positive step forward in the shared two-way all-day GO service vision for 2031.”
Quick Facts
On February 26, the Ontario government introduced One Fare, saving riders an average of $1,600 a year as they transfer for free between the TTC and participating transit agencies in the Greater Toronto Area, including GO Transit.
Last year, the province added 12 round trips per week between Union Station and Niagara Falls to connect more people to jobs, housing and Canada’s top tourist destinations.
On Saturdays, starting April 27, the last train to and from Niagara Falls on the Lakeshore West line will depart an hour later. On weekdays, the last train to Niagara Falls will depart half an hour earlier.
Starting April 27, GO Bus Route 21 from Milton will return to the Union Station Bus Terminal.
On May 4, seasonal GO Explore service will begin to Canada’s Wonderland on Routes 47 and 52 and the Toronto Zoo on Route 96.
GO rail is becoming one of the busiest railways in North America with more than 200 million annual riders expected by 2055.
Quotes
"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 per cent increase from our current level of service. This will give our customers more flexibility and makes it easier to choose transit first."
- Phil Verster
President and CEO of Metrolinx
"This GO Transit service expansion is welcome news to transit users across Southern Ontario. I am especially pleased to see service expansion on the Stouffville line. Our vibrant municipality is quickly coming to be known as one of the best places to live in the GTA. This increased train frequency will enable our existing and future residents to more easily travel to and from Union Station and all stops in between. I thank the provincial government for their continued commitment to supporting public transportation."
- Iain Lovatt
Mayor of Whitchurch-Stouffville
"Oakville is home to the busiest station in the GO Transit network outside of Union Station, and I know residents, commuters, students and visitors will benefit from GO Transit's expanding service on the Lakeshore West line. With the added bonus of complimentary Oakville Transit fares when connecting to or from GO service, we're making travel easier, more convenient and more affordable for everyone."
- Rob Burton
Mayor of Oakville
"On behalf of Ajax Council, I would like to applaud this expansion of GO train service. As our population grows, it's critical that we can offer our residents transit connected communities. The improved service will further support intensification in and around the Ajax Major Transit Station Area."
- Shaun Collier
Mayor of Ajax
"This is welcome news for Whitby residents, whether they use the GO train to get to work or school, connect with family and friends or visit destinations in the GTA. A 15 per cent service increase means better-connected communities and improved flexibility and convenience for riders. Expanding trip options also encourages more people to use public transit, which will be increasingly important as Whitby's population grows."
- Elizabeth Roy
Mayor of Whitby
"Brampton welcomes the provincial government making the largest GO train service
expansion in over a decade by adding more than 300 trips per week on the Milton, Lakeshore West, Lakeshore East, Kitchener and Stouffville lines. The 15 per cent increase in service gives Brampton commuters more and faster choices to get to where they need to go to within the GTHA and beyond."
- Patrick Brown
Mayor of Brampton
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