The purchase price of the line segment, which is principally used by GO Transit regional/commuter trains, is C$76 million. Metrolinx is acquiring the right-of-way from a point west of Main Street in Georgetown to a location near Park Street in Kitchener. CN will retain freight operating rights over the line segment.
By acquiring the line segment, “Ontario is taking the next step toward two-way, all-day Regional Express Rail service along the Kitchener line,” said Metrolinx President and CEO Bruce McCuaig. “This is good news for GO customers on the Kitchener line, and for people who are considering switching to GO. Ownership and control of our infrastructure is key to improving the existing service and planning for even more service on this line in the future, as we move toward two-way, all-day Regional Express Rail service across our network.”
Metrolinx has also purchased property in Kitchener for the future site of a train-layover facility.
“Regional Express Rail service will mean faster, more frequent trains, operating in both directions throughout the day, in the evenings and on weekends,” said McCuaig. “By increasing Metrolinx’s ownership along the Kitchener rail corridor, GO Transit will be able to improve service, control operations, and make infrastructure upgrades needed to support service expansion, including morning inbound trains to Kitchener and evening outbound trains back to Toronto.”
With this purchase, Metrolinx now owns 80% of the rail corridor over which GO Transit operates, up from 67%. GO Transit will be doubling train service between Kitchener and Toronto in 2016.
“Ontario is making record investments in public transit across the province, including investing more than $9.1 billion in GO Transit since 2003,” said Ontario Minister of Transportation Steven Del Duca. “By purchasing the CN track on the Kitchener line, this helps us add more train trips, improve reliability, and help get more people to their destination sooner. This is further proof of our government’s commitment to making the daily commute and quality of life better for Ontario families.”