QUEEN'S PARK -- The Ontario government and the City of Barrie have successfully finalized an agreement that will bring GO train service to the City of Barrie, Ontario Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield and City of Barrie Mayor Robert Hamilton announced today.
An agreement has been finalized to secure the lands and rail corridor needed for GO Transit rail service to the City of Barrie. Up to four GO trains are expected to serve Barrie by late 2007. "Since 2003, the McGuinty government has committed approximately $1.6 billion for GO Transit," Cansfield said. "It's time that residents from the City of Barrie get the service they deserve. Expanding GO Transit rail service gives residents better access to public transit and reduces highway congestion."
"Barrie City Council is pleased to have reached an agreement that brings GO train service back to our community," comments Mayor Rob Hamilton. "Council identified extending GO train service as one of our top ten priorities, and this joint financial partnership is a key element in positioning Barrie as we move into the future and build a complete community." "We look forward to working with the City of Barrie to improve transportation for one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Ontario,"
GO Transit Chairman Peter Smith said. "Extending the GO train to Barrie will enhance the GO bus service we already operate in that area." The expansion is part of the GO Transit Rail Improvement Program (GO TRIP), a billion dollar expansion announced by the province in May 2004 and funded by Ontario and municipalities with a contribution from the federal government through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund. "Since 1995, GO Transit ridership has grown by 51 per cent to 47 million riders a year," said Cansfield. "Ridership is expected to double within the next 20 to 30 years and we're doing what has to be done now to make public transit work for commuters."
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