Kitchener-Waterloo

Metrolinx: expect GO buses until rail lines ready around 2024

At a forum Friday, Metrolinx outlined the work being done along the Kitchener rail corridor ahead of two-way all-day GO Trains by 2024. But until the trains are running, expect more buses to come into service.

Multiple rail work is being done at the same time, says Metrolinx

Metrolinx told a forum on rail transit that multiple work being done on the Toronto to Kitchener corridor includes not only construction but environmental assessments, community impacts, and procurement. (Joe Pavia)

Metrolinx has provided some specific information to the overall vision of two-way all-day GO transit service between Kitchener and Toronto.

Members of the local business community and municipal governments were invited to an update Friday hosted by Kitchener Centre MPP Daiene Vernile – who says she is frequently asked by constituents "when are we going to get more trains?"

The answer came from Judy Pfeifer, Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer with Metrolinx, who said simultaneous work is underway along the Kitchener to Toronto line.

"Between construction, environmental assessments, community impacts and procurement, it is a multi-step process. But we're committed to bringing it as fast as we can," said Pfeifer. But it could take until 2024. 

The procurement studies are conducted to figure out how to build tunnels and tracks safely.

Until the trains start running, Pfeifer says Metrolinx is committed to investing in buses to transport commuters from Toronto to Kitchener.