Canada govt to invest 1.9 billion in GO train transit, Ontario welcomes decision

Soon after Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's announcement at an event at GO workshop in Toronto on Friday, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said:"When it comes to a person's everyday commute, every minute counts. That is why Ontario is undertaking the largest commuter rail transformation in the country. GO RER will provide new travel options for millions of commuters, build 12 new stations, drastically increase the frequency of service, cut travel times and help manage congestion in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and surrounding communities."

"It will increase the number of weekly trips across the GO train network from 1,500 today to roughly 6,000 by 2025. And with more people taking transit, we can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change.

According to the government, Ontario's allocation of $13.5 billion to implement GO Regional Express Rail adds to the $7.8 billion investment for GO network upgrades and the extension of regular train service to Niagara and Bowmanville.

"This total $21.3 billion transformation of the GO network is creating thousands of jobs, bolstering Ontario's economy, and improving people's quality of life. The GO capital program is the largest commuter rail program in Canada. It is also part of the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history -- more than $160 billion over 12 years for roads, bridges, transit systems, schools and hospitals. We are building a thriving region that will continue to be a great place to live, work and raise a family," said Kathleen Wynne.

"Today, Ontario welcomes the federal government's investment of roughly $1.9 billion in our GO RER project. This federal contribution will help us build new track, upgrade stations and create grade separations along the Kitchener, Barrie and Lakeshore corridors.

"And because the federal government is making this contribution toward the $13.5 billion Ontario has allocated for GO RER, the province now has the ability to invest even more in other priority transit projects that will improve people's commutes," she said.

She added: "In order to get people where they need to go and meet the demands of a growing region it takes all levels of government pulling in the same direction, so I appreciate a federal partner who recognizes the value in building up transit and helping people in their everyday lives."

 
(Reporting by Asha Bajaj and Sujoy Dhar)