Ontario announces it is moving forward with GO rail expansion

Ontario announced it is moving forward with a GO rail expansion in the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

The province says the project will include adding over 200 kilometres of new track and electrifying over 600 kilometres of track.

A new electric train fleet will also be introduced that could reach speeds of 140 kilometres per hour between stations.

Ontario says Metrolinx and ONxpress Transportation Partners will enter a 24-month development phase to work collaboratively on design, early investigations, schedule optimization and key initial construction work.

It says this will include overhead electrification delivery, a new electric train fleet, upgraded train control systems and expanded tracks and structures along the corridors, while also including the operations and maintenance of the GO rail network.

“Building Ontario through critical infrastructure projects like GO Rail Expansion, will unlock the potential of the economic engine of our province – the Greater Golden Horseshoe,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation, in a statement. “To keep up with population growth, our government is making historic investments in transit, roads, bridges and highways, including the Bradford Bypass and Highway 413. Together, these projects will help fight gridlock, make travel easier and boost Ontario’s economy.”

The province says construction is expected to start in 2023 with incremental opportunities to add service starting in around 2025/26.