Go Train photo courtesy of GO Transit. Go Train photo courtesy of GO Transit.
London

GO Train service expanding to London

It's going to be a slow ride to Toronto, but GO Train service is finally being expanded to London.

The provincial government announced a pilot project on Wednesday that will see Metrolinx provide weekday service between London and Toronto beginning October 18. The new service includes stops in St. Marys and Stratford.

"We’re so pleased to expand GO train service to Southwestern Ontario for the first time, connecting to three new municipalities and extending our network an additional 120 kilometres across one of the province’s fastest growing regions," President and CEO of Metrolinx Phil Verster said in a statement. "By extending service to London, we’re building a transit network that will help better move people and better connect communities for decades to come."

The train will leave from the VIA station in downtown London early in the morning and return in the evening. The ride to Toronto is expected to take approximately four hours. The trip between London and Kitchener will take roughly two hours.

Despite the slow travel time, London Mayor Ed Holder offered his thanks to the province for "making headway" in getting more transportation connections in southwestern Ontario.

"Londoners need and deserve access to increased transportation options, and by extending GO rail service into southwestern Ontario, we are keeping our promise to enhance economic productivity and business opportunities, while also supporting healthier, more connected communities," said Holder.

In order to extend Go Train service, the province had to partner with VIA Rail for use of their stations and CN for access to their tracks. They continue to work to explore ways to improve the speed and frequency of passenger rail service across the province.

Currently, GO Train service does not extend past Kitchener.

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