Ford government outlines next gen GO train service, reaffirming intention to build Hwy. 401 tunnel

The Ford government has unveiled plans for the next generation of GO train service while also reaffirming plans to build a tunnel under Highway 401 as part of an overall strategy to alleviate congestion and reduce travel times for commuters across the province.

Details of what is being dubbed GO 2.0 were made available in a letter from the premier’s office to Metrolinx on Thursday.

The plan would see the construction of a bypass adjacent to the Highway 407 corridor between the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) main line near Trafalgar Road in Milton and the Canadian National (CN) bypass line at Bramalea.

“By leveraging existing freight rail infrastructure, GO 2.0 could help alleviate congestion and reduce travel times for passengers,” reads the letter. “It has the potential to unlock new GO lines, stations, and Transit-Oriented Communities, supporting the province’s plan to build more homes near transit.”

No timetable or cost was provided for delivering GO 2.0 other than directing Metrolinx and the Ministry of Transportation to work with the federal government and both freight rail companies on what would be required to move the project forward.

Metrolinx tells CityNews they have received the “letter of direction” without providing any further details.

The letter also reiterates Ford’s intention to build “a new driver and transit tunnel expressway under Highway 401” but does not provide any further details on that plan. It also goes on to point out what the government is currently doing to help alleviate congestion in the GTHA, including all-day GO train service across the Golden Horseshoe, building the Ontario Line in Toronto, the Hazel McCallion Line in Peel, the Hamilton LRT and the construction of Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass.