GO Rail service to be extended to London, Stratford, St. Marys in October | The Canadian News

A pilot project starting October 18 will see GO train service extended to London, Ontario, as well as Stratford and St. Marys.

The project will see Metrolinx provide weekday travel between London and Toronto, with an early morning trip to Union Station and a return trip at the end of the night.

The Ontario government says the new service will extend beyond the existing Kitchener line with stops in St. Marys and Stratford.

“The people of Southwest Ontario deserve better access to a safe and reliable transportation network,” said Ontario Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we are taking concrete action and delivering on our promise to extend much-needed GO service to London for the first time.”

The pilot project provides another way to get to Toronto, after Greyhound Canada ceased operations in May. Since then, Megabus has started offering daily trips between London and downtown Toronto.

London Mayor Ed Holder expressed his appreciation to the province for “advancing our vision of more transport connections” in the region.

“Londoners need and deserve access to more transportation options, and by expanding GO rail service to Southwest Ontario, we keep our promise to improve economic productivity and business opportunities while supporting healthier and more connected communities.” .

The trip from London to Union Station in Toronto will take approximately four hours and stops between London and Kitchener will take approximately two hours.

The province says in a statement that it is working closely with VIA Rail and CN to expand the service and “explore ways to improve the speed and frequency of passenger rail service.”

Additionally, the province adds that the Southwest Ontario Transportation Task Force, formed in January 2021 and chaired by Holder, will continue to seek ways to “build an integrated transportation system” across a variety of transportation options, including rail. and the bus.