The Ontario government has finalized an agreement-in-principle with CN Rail to purchase land for the construction of dedicated GO Transit tracks on the busy Kitchener line. The deal marks a major milestone toward delivering two-way, all-day rapid service as part of the province’s Kitchener Extension Project.
Overview of the Kitchener Extension Project
The Kitchener line is a vital commuter corridor connecting Union Station in Toronto with Waterloo Region. Expanding service on this line has been a long-standing goal for the province to support population growth, ease congestion, and improve economic connectivity.
Details of the Ontario–CN Rail Agreement
As part of the agreement, Ontario will purchase 20.9 kilometres of land within CN’s Halton subdivision. This land will be used to build dedicated GO tracks between Bramalea and Kitchener, ensuring trains can run without interference from freight traffic.
New GO Train Services Starting This November
Coinciding with the agreement, Metrolinx has announced additional train service beginning in November, giving commuters more flexibility and reliability as work on the extension continues.
Scope of the Extension Project
The full project will add:
- 40 kilometres of new, two-way track
- Track re-alignments
- Signal upgrades
- Bridge improvements
- Platform expansions along the corridor
These upgrades are essential to achieving full-day, two-way service across the Kitchener line.
Service Enhancements by Station
- To Bramalea GO
- Two-way, all-day service, 7 days a week
- To Mount Pleasant GO
- 30-minute two-way, all-day service, 7 days a week
- Additional trains during peak rush hours
- To Kitchener GO
- 60-minute two-way, all-day service, 7 days a week
- Additional trains during peak rush hours
Infrastructure Upgrades Planned
In addition to the dedicated tracks, the project will include:
- New signals to improve train safety and scheduling
- Re-aligned tracks for smoother, faster service
- Bridge work to accommodate expanded service
- Larger platforms to handle increased passenger volumes
Benefits for Commuters and Businesses
The improved Kitchener line will:
- Reduce travel times between Waterloo Region and Toronto
- Support economic growth in Kitchener, Guelph, and the GTA
- Provide reliable, all-day connections for workers, students, and families
- Encourage sustainable commuting by reducing car dependency
Long-Term Impact on the Greater Toronto Area
When fully completed, the Kitchener Extension Project will significantly expand Ontario’s GO Transit network. It will make daily commuting more efficient, strengthen business ties between Toronto and Waterloo Region, and support the province’s broader goal of building a modern, interconnected transit system.