The Ontario government has announced a major milestone in its plan for enhanced GO Transit service along the Kitchener Line by securing a deal with CN Rail to acquire necessary land. This agreement marks a significant breakthrough in the province’s commitment to providing all-day, two-way transportation between Toronto and Kitchener.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria described the deal as a crucial advancement in transforming the corridor, emphasizing the government’s efforts under Premier Doug Ford’s leadership to expand transit infrastructure and address congestion issues.
As part of the agreement, Ontario will be able to proceed with the construction of 40 kilometers of dedicated GO tracks, as well as various upgrades such as track realignments, signal enhancements, bridge construction, and platform expansions. These developments are expected to pave the way for improved transit services and reduced commute times for passengers.
In conjunction with this progress, a set of new services is scheduled to launch on November 23, including 18 additional weekend trips from Bramalea to Union Station and the introduction of weekend train services extending all the way to Kitchener. These enhancements are anticipated to bring about incremental improvements for riders in the near future.
The Kitchener Line upgrades are part of Ontario’s ambitious $70-billion transit expansion initiative, encompassing a wide range of projects from Barrie to Niagara and Oshawa to Kitchener. Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic hailed the agreement as a transformative moment for the city, expressing optimism about the positive impact on commute times, economic growth, job opportunities, and overall quality of life for residents.