GO looks at new Niagara rail service expansion
Written by jrood
February 14, 2001 GO Transit in metropolitan Toronto is set to start an environmental assessment that will look at what infrastructure upgrades would be required to expand rail service to the Niagara Peninsula, including prospective building sites for new rail stations and potential improvements to the existing rail line. The EA begins the week of Nov. 16, with completion scheduled for summer 2010.
Following the EA and
subsequent public review period, there will be an assessment to determine
whether a business case exists for this service.
"The potential
service expansion along the Niagara corridor will depend on various factors
such as fleet availability, capital and operating funds and supportive business
partnerships with the railways," said Gary McNeil, GO Transit’s Managing
Director.
The Niagara rail line
service expansion is outlined in GO Transit’s Strategic Plan: GO 2020, and is
part of GO’s vision for better, expanded service for the Greater Golden
Horseshoe.
A successful weekend
excursion train service was offered this past summer linking Niagara Falls and
Toronto, and ran between Toronto’s Union Station, Port Credit GO Station,
Oakville GO Station, Burlington GO Station, St. Catharines VIA Rail Station and
Niagara Falls VIA Station.
GO introduced year-round
weekday and weekend bus service to Niagara Falls on September 5 between Niagara
Falls VIA Rail station and Burlington GO Station with stops in Stoney Creek,
Grimsby, and St. Catharines. This service connects with GO’s Lakeshore west
train service. GO encourages travelers to take the Niagara Falls bus service as
an alternative to driving to this popular destination area.
