EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to include feedback from MPP John Fraser, former Liberal party interim leader, about the announcement.
Metrolinx will be adding two more daily trips between Milton GO and Union Station.
Starting April 28, there will be an additional morning rush hour train to Union, and an extra afternoon trip back to Milton.
This is part of what Premier Doug Ford calls “the largest GO train expansion in more than a decade.”
“We’re adding more than 300 new weekly trips supporting two-way, all-day GO service on some of the province’s busiest train routes,” Ford announced at the GO Transit Milton Yard Monday morning. “This means more options and greater convenience on Milton, Lakeshore West, Lakeshore East, Kitchener, Stoufffville, and the UP Express lines.”
Back in February, Ontario announced its commitment to make the two-way, all-day GO Train service a reality in Milton, asking the federal government to work together in a cost-sharing partnership to build a fully separated passenger rail line.
Ford told MiltonToday that the provincial government is “1,000 per cent committed” to seeing the project through.
“We're gonna make it happen,” Ford said, reiterating his request to Ottawa. “I'm confident, though, they'll come to the table.”
The timing of the announcement has raised questions from MPP John Fraser, former interim leader of the Liberal party. Fraser suggested that Ford "is concerned about losing the byelection.” Additionally, Fraser pointed out that if the premier is committed to expanding the GO train service on the Milton line, he “doesn't have to wait for the federal government.”
GO BUS TO UNION
Also announced is the return of GO Bus Route 21 to Union Station bus terminal. The route was cut last year, much to the frustration of local commuters. Riders can take the bus once more to go to downtown Toronto starting April 27.
-- with files from The Trillium, a Village Media website devoted exclusively to covering provincial politics at Queen’s Park.