Governments of Canada and Ontario enhance passenger capacity on the GO Transit system by investing in new bi-level coaches Français
BURLINGTON, ON, April 30, 2018 /CNW/ - Investing in public infrastructure supports efficient, affordable and sustainable transit services that help Canadians and their families get to work, school and appointments on time and back home safely at the end of a long day.
The Honourable Karina Gould, Member of Parliament for Burlington, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Eleanor McMahon, Member of Provincial Parliament for Burlington; and Greg Percy, Chief Operating Officer of Metrolinx, today 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.
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 investment is part of an agreement between Canada and Ontario for the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada recognizes how important affordable and efficient transit infrastructure is to middle class Canadians in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. This investment in the GO Transit system will improve the lives of people living in Ontario by getting them to work on time and back home to their families faster after a long day."
The Honourable Karina Gould, Member of Parliament for Burlington, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"Efficient and sustainable public transit is essential to keeping Oakville one of the most livable communities in Canada. Many people in Halton depend on our GO system for their daily commute, and this investment will help get people home faster to spend more time where it counts."
John Oliver, Member of Parliament for Oakville
"I am thrilled to work with our federal partners and Metrolinx to enhance service along all GO Transit corridors. 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 Honourable Eleanor McMahon, Member of Provincial Parliament for Burlington
"This is a momentous time as we get set to quadruple weekly train trips and electrify the network. 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."
Phil Verster, President and Chief Executive Officer of Metrolinx
Quick facts
- On March 31, 2017, the Government of Canada announced a contribution of more than $1.8 billion to the GO Transit Regional Express Rail project through the New Building Canada Fund – Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component.
- These 53 coaches are part of a larger order of 125 coaches. The first vehicle delivery is expected later this year.
- The GO expansion program will provide faster and more frequent service across the GO rail network, with electrified service on core segments, including the Union Pearson Express. It is one of the largest transit infrastructure investments in North America.
- The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
- $28.7 billion of this funding will support public transit projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
- Since 2004, the Government of Ontario has committed $4.1 billion to municipalities across the province through the provincial gas tax program. This funding supports municipal transit systems.
Associated links
Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/site/alt-format/pdf/plan/icp-pic/IC-InvestingInCanadaPlan-ENG.pdf
Investing in Canada plan project map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html
Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/on-eng.html
The Public Transit Infrastructure Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/ptif-fitc-eng.php
Building Ontario - Infrastructure Plan: https://www.ontario.ca/page/building-ontario
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada
SOURCE Infrastructure Canada
Brook Simpson, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-219-0149, [email protected]; Celso Pereira, Minister's Office, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, 647-201-9348, [email protected]; Anne Marie Aikins, Media Relations, Metrolinx, 416-202-5796, [email protected]; Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]
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