The Governments of Canada and Ontario have announced more than $187 million in joint funding for the Metrolinx GO Transit Bi-Level Coach Procurement project that will support an increase in the number of trains that run along all seven GO Transit corridors to help alleviate congestion for riders.

“I am thrilled to work with our federal partners and Metrolinx to enhance service along all GO Transit corridors,” said Eleanor McMahon, member of provincial parliament for Burlington. “This $187 million investment, $93.5 million of which is from our government, supports our plan to connect communities and offers commuters and families more transit options. Giving people a choice of transportation modes, in addition to travelling by car, is good for them, good for our economy, and good for our environment. Ontario is proudly on track to deliver GO Regional Express Rail by 2024-2025.”

The Government of Canada is providing more than $93 million through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund for this project while the Province of Ontario is providing the remaining costs.

The funding will be used to accelerate the purchase of 53 bi-level coaches that will enhance the GO Transit service. This purchase will support the expansion of GO train services and enable Metrolinx to meet forecasted service levels beyond 2018. Not only will this project improve passenger mobility, but will also help to improve operational efficiency, accessibility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“This is a momentous time as we get set to quadruple weekly train trips and electrify the network,” said Phil Verster, president and CEO of Metrolinx. “This funding means more trains on tracks sooner, which will help us connect the people of our region to where they want to go better, faster and easier.”

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This investment is part of an agreement between Canada and Ontario for the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund.

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