Expect 'incremental' changes to GO train service between Kitchener and Toronto: Redman

Region of Waterloo Chair Karen Redman met with Metrolinx officials Monday to discuss two-way, all-day GO trains between Kitchener and Toronto and says the need in the area is being heard.

Redman met with officials ahead of a public town hall. She said she stressed to them the need for the innovation corridor between the region and Toronto to help this area compete on a global stage.

"They shared the fact that they recognize that this is our number one issue. We are near the top of their priority list," Redman said.

"My sense is that changes will be incremental when they come, but that they do hear us talking about how important the all-day, two-way GO is, not just for Waterloo region, but from a GTA (Greater Toronto Area) perspective as well because we're a net recipient of people coming into Waterloo region to work."

Tech, insurance companies bus people in

Waterloo region has been advocating for two-way, all-day GO trains for years. In an interview on Jan. 30, Transportation Minister Jeff Yurek said the province wants to make it a reality before 2024.

Yurek said that's one of the top issues he hears when he comes to the region, and he hopes to have more news for people living here in the next 12 to 18 months.

Redman says until then, local tech and insurance companies will continue to send vans and buses into Toronto to pick up and drop off workers each day.

"We recognize that business is putting a stop-gap in for some service that they recognize is important totheir vibrancy," she said.

Metrolinx is set to hold a town hall meeting Monday night at Communitech. CEO Phil Verster and members of the senior management team will be at the meeting.

People had to register to attend, but it will also be streamed online through the Metrolinx Engage website.