No. H040/06
For release May 25, 2006
STOUFFVILLE — The Government of Canada, the Province of
Ontario, and GO Transit today announced the start of construction on GO
Transit's Stouffville train line.
The expansion is part of the GO Transit Rail Improvement Program (GO TRIP), a
billion-dollar expansion funded by the governments of Canada, Ontario, and the
municipalities through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund. The work will
allow GO Transit to increase service to passengers and accommodate future
passenger growth.
"Public transit plays an important role in easing traffic congestion in urban
areas, reducing carbon dioxide and other emissions, and enhancing the quality of
life in our communities," said Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities.
"The Ontario government wants to increase public transit ridership by investing
in projects that encourage commuters to choose transit," said Phil McNeely,
Parliamentary Assistant to Ontario Transportation Minister, Donna Cansfield.
"Expanding and improving the GO Transit network will reduce travel times, and
increase reliability, safety and accessibility for Ontario families that
commute."
"GO Transit appreciates this investment for tomorrow by all levels of
government," said GO Transit Chairman Peter Smith. "This long-term funding is
essential to improving public transportation for the Toronto area – the urban
and economic heart of Ontario, and Canada."
Construction on GO Transit's Stouffville line will begin immediately with an
underpass being built to separate the two intersecting rail lines that are
located in Markham, between the Milliken and Unionville GO Stations. This
construction will eliminate the intersection of GO Transit's Stouffville
corridor that crosses a major east-west freight line owned and operated by
Canadian National Railway. This work is essential for future GO service
improvements, such as improving overall travel time, reducing operational costs,
and paving the way for more trains. It will also improve service reliability.
Valued at approximately $47 million, this project should be completed by the end
of 2007.
GO Transit carries 47 million riders annually. Ridership is expected to double
within the next 20 to 30 years. A safe and efficient transit system is key to
building strong and prosperous communities in Ontario.
For more information and/or updates on this project, call (416) 869-3600 ext.
5180.- 30 -
Contacts:
Natalie Sarafian
Office of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities
(613) 991-0700
Neil Salter
Office of the Parliamentary Assistant
to the Ontario Minister of
Transportation
(416) 325-0515
Bob Nichols
Communications Branch
Ontario Ministry of Transportation
(416) 327-1158
Linda Licari
Transport Canada
(613) 993-0055
Vasie Papadopoulos
GO TRIP
(416) 869-3600 ext. 5175
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.
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