Ontarians could have to wait at least another decade before electric GO Trains are installed.
Citing an internal February document from Metrolinx, The Trillium reports that the transit agency is still figuring out its wider plans for the provincial train system. In particular, the company proposes a potential timeline until 2036 as it deals with the reportedly “poor” conditions of its existing diesel fleet.
Further, the document only outlines an initial wave of electric trains for the Lakeshore lines, which cover from Niagara Falls to Oshawa, leaving a rollout for cities like Kitchener, Barrie, Richmond Hill, Milton and Stouffville unclear.
In fact, the document notes that Metrolinx has yet to make a decision “on electrification extents — how far it will reach, and will it be continuous or intermittent.” According to The Trillium‘s sources, Metrolinx doesn’t have a clear timeline because it has yet to secure either a manufacturer or a factory for the electric trains. That said, Metrolinx is looking for Ontario production, given the Ford government’s efforts to drive business within the province.
For now, though, Metrolinx’s reported plan is to retool and expand the current diesel trains before beginning to roll out electric alternatives in 2036. Initially, the priority will be the Lakeshore West and East lines because they “deliver the highest benefit.” Meanwhile, Metrolinx’s UP Express line between Pearson Airport and Union Station isn’t expected to get an electric upgrade until at least the “late” 2030s.
Naturally, Metrolinx declined to comment on any of the specifics of The Trillium‘s report, simply telling the publication that the document is “still in development and is not finalized.” Ultimately, Metrolinx’s goal, per the document, is to have 60 per cent of its GO fleet become electric by 2040.
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Source: The Trillium
