New GO Train Tracks Coming to Toronto-Kitchener Route

The Ontario government has announced a deal with CN Rail to acquire land for the construction of dedicated GO Transit tracks along the busy Kitchener Line.

This agreement, revealed on Thursday, is seen as a significant step in the province’s long-awaited goal of providing two-way, all-day service between Toronto and Kitchener.

The deal aligns with new services scheduled to begin on Nov. 23, which include 18 extra weekend trips between Bramalea and Union Station and, for the first time, weekend trains going directly to Kitchener.

Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria referred to this deal as a “pivotal step” in improving the corridor.

“Under Premier [Doug] Ford’s leadership, our government is delivering the largest transit expansion in North America to tackle gridlock, keep workers on the job and support economic growth,” Sarkaria stated.

According to Ontario’s government, this new agreement opens up opportunities for building 40 kilometers of dedicated GO tracks along with track adjustments, signal improvements, bridge work, and larger platforms.

What riders can expect

Once finished, officials say this project will provide:

Two-way, all-day service seven days a week to Bramalea. 30-minute service to Mount Pleasant with additional rush-hour trains heading to Union Station. Hourly service to Kitchener plus more trips during peak periods.

In the meantime, riders will notice gradual enhancements starting next month:

18 new weekend trips from Bramalea to Union Station every 30 minutes. Four weekend trips extended to Kitchener-this marks the first weekend service offered there. Two new weekday trips between Bramalea and Union Station. Several existing trips will run further west, including one heading to Kitchener.

The upgrades for the Kitchener Line are part of Ontario’s $70-billion transit expansion plan that covers new rail lines, subways and LRT projects spanning from Barrie down to Niagara and Oshawa over to Kitchener.

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic called it “a transformative moment” for his city.

“This will reduce commute times and unlock new opportunities for economic growth, job creation and quality of life for our residents,” he noted.

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