Metrolinx and the provincial government announced additional details of the Kitchener GO Rail Expansion project on Friday, including a Request for Qualifications for improvements to the Guelph Central Station.
In a virtual announcement held on Friday, a Preliminary Design Business Case that highlights the benefits of the two-way, all-day GO service project was presented by Metrolinx and the province.
In a press release, Shakiba Shayani, president and CEO of Guelph Chamber of Commerce, said the announcement is a huge win for the Guelph Business community.
“This investment will unleash and attract diverse and cutting-edge talent, increase employee retention, and will boost the economic climate for business competitiveness,” said Shayani. “I’m looking forward to this work that will improve the movement of people across the region, contribute to economic prosperity and solidify the important position Guelph holds along the Innovation Corridor."
The advancements announced will lead to more trips at every point along the line, said Caroline Mulroney, Ontario’s minister of Transportation.
“This project will help build fast, frequent and reliable transit that will better support families and businesses along the entire corridor,” she said.
The business case highlights benefits for riders, including significant travel time savings with train service every 15 minutes on core segments.
"The Kitchener GO Rail Expansion will transform the line into a true frequent rapid transit experience with more trips at every station and across seven municipalities,” said Phil Verster, president and CEO of Metrolinx.
A Request for Qualifications process has begun for infrastructure improvements that will be needed along the line, including a platform expansion at Guelph Central Station, as well as improvements at the Acton GO Station.
New maintenance of tracks and other track upgrades will eventually allow for faster train speeds.
A recent twin tunnel excavation under Highways 401 and 409 has recently been completed, which will allow for increased train capacity on the corridor.
When the improvements are complete travel time between Kitchener GO station and Union Station is expected to be reduced to 90 minutes from the current 111 minute trip.
"This significant step towards two-way, all-day GO train service by 2025 is great news for Guelph and every city along Ontario’s Innovation Corridor,” said mayor Cam Guthrie. “Two-way, all-day GO will create more productivity, more jobs, and more economic growth – all of which are needed now more than ever, as we recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19."
