Ontario taking next steps to extend GO service to Bowmanville

The Ontario government has awarded a contract to advance planning to extend GO train service to Bowmanville, marking another milestone in the province’s plan to deliver more transit options, connect communities and save families time and money in Durham Region and across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (G.T.H.A.).

“This contract brings us one step closer to extending the Lakeshore East GO line further into Durham Region, bringing GO train service to the people of Bowmanville for the first time,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Our government is supporting the largest transit expansion in North America, reducing gridlock, cutting commute times and improving the movement of people and goods throughout the province. We made a promise to get it done and we’re hard at work delivering on that promise.”

Ontario is investing $730 million to extend the Lakeshore East GO line further into Durham Region, bringing two-way all-day GO train service to Bowmanville. With nearly 17,000 daily trips and 4.9 million annual boardings expected by 2041, the Bowmanville Extension will connect more people to jobs and places while reducing travel times across the region.

“As more people call Ontario home, our government is making sure communities have access to fast, frequent and reliable transit,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “By expanding our transportation network, we’re fighting gridlock, driving economic growth and attracting more jobs and investments to our province.”

The early stage infrastructure planning contract will support the nearly 20-kilometre extension project, which includes new tracks and signals, seven new bridges and at-grade crossing upgrades.

Quick Facts

Quotes

"Today’s announcement is excellent news for residents of Bowmanville and all residents of Clarington, who have waited for direct GO train service for decades. I’m proud to be a part of a government that is delivering real results to make this a reality. The Bowmanville GO extension will shorten travel times for commuters, who will no longer need to drive west to Oshawa before getting on the GO. It will also increase employment opportunities for those living in my riding of Durham." - Todd McCarthy - MPP Durham

"Every day, thousands of residents from east Durham commute to work in and around the GTA. As our communities continue to grow, the need for more and better transportation options is clear. The Bowmanville GO extension will be a game-changer for residents along the Lakeshore East Line, improving access to jobs, housing and local landmark destinations." - Lorne Coe, MPP Whitby

"Advancing work on the Lakeshore East line through the Bowmanville GO extension is an important step to get commuters out of cars and onto public transit in the Eastern corridor. With improved services and better transit access, Ajax residents will see less gridlock on our roads and increased economic growth in our community. I am so pleased that we are bringing fast and reliable GO train service to your front door and making it easier to rely on public transit to get to where you need to go." - Patrice Barnes, MPP Ajax

"Our government is focused on building a stronger Ontario and the Bowmanville GO extension will achieve just that, attracting new workers, investments and jobs to Pickering and across Durham Region. By extending train service as far as Bowmanville, we’re delivering on our promise to keep Ontarians moving and ensuring prosperity for the eastern GTHA now and into the future."
- Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP Pickering-Uxbridge

"Through connecting Northumberland-Peterborough South closer to Toronto with the Bowmanville GO extension, my constituents will have more transit options and be connected to more job opportunities. I’m proud our government is taking steps to improve the lives of people living in the east GTA and surrounding areas—this project is a key pillar in that plan."- David Piccini, MPP Northumberland-Peterborough South

"A region growing as rapidly as Durham, whether it’s with new housing developments, businesses, or amenities, needs a local transportation network that continues to meet the demands of the community. I am pleased to see the Ontario government is taking this vital step in bringing more accessible, convenient transit options to Durham, with the extension of the Lakeshore East Line in Durham." - John Henry Durham Regional Chair

"This announcement is fantastic news for Oshawa. Residents will have better access to jobs across the region, and neighbourhoods in our community will be revitalized through the investments this project will bring. I am so pleased the Ontario government has recognized the importance of keeping Oshawa connected to better transit options."- Dan Carter, Mayor of Oshawa

"Today’s announcement demonstrates what can be accomplished when different levels of government work together. I want to thank the Ontario government for their determination to complete the Bowmanville GO extension and strengthen the economic potential of Clarington and Durham Region. I am thrilled to see the infrastructure planning contract awarded so that we can finally connect our community to the rest of the GTA through GO service."- Adrian Foster, Mayor of Clarington

"This exciting milestone brings us closer to creating stronger connections between Durham Region and the Greater Golden Horseshoe. When complete, this project will reduce commute times between Bowmanville and Union Station by 15 minutes and provide increased network connectivity across the Greater Golden Horseshoe."- Phil Verster, President and CEO of Metrolinx