Ontario Launches Environmental Assessment For Electrification of Air Rail Link

 
 

January 26, 2011 11:00 AM

McGuinty Government Building Better Public Transit

Ontario is moving forward with an environmental assessment to electrify the Air Rail Link. 

The Air Rail Link will connect our international gateway, Toronto Pearson International Airport, with our regional transit hub, Toronto's Union Station. 

Last week, Metrolinx released a study on electrification that provided a detailed analysis including the economic, social, environmental, health and technological factors for future enhanced diesel and electrification of the GO rail system. Metrolinx found that electrification would result in important transportation benefits, including shorter travel times for commuters and lower operating costs.

Through the Open Ontario plan, the government is making transportation services more accessible and convenient for Ontario families while creating economic growth and jobs.

QUICK FACTS

 
  • The study terms of reference were developed with the expertise of a multi-stakeholder group, including a 16-member Community Advisory Committee and over 100 non-governmental organizations as well as the public.
  • Each year, more than five million people travel between downtown and the airport and that number is expected to reach nine million by 2020.
  • The Air Rail Link will help connect the busiest airport in Canada with the busiest transit and passenger rail hub in the country and will take 1.2 million car trips off our roads in its first year of operation alone.

CONTACTS

  • Bob Nichols
    Communications Branch
    416-327-1158
    Bob.Nichols@nullontario.ca
  • David Salter
    Minister's Office
    647-222-5162
  • Emna Dhahak
    Communications Branch
    416-327-9149
    emna.dhahak@nullontario.ca



Ministry of Transportation
ontario.ca/transportation


 

"We are moving forward with an environmental assessment to electrify the Air Rail Link. The Air Rail Link will provide express service between our two busiest transportation hubs and will help reduce congestion on our roads."

 – Kathleen Wynne
Minister of Transportation

"This is great news for the residents in my community living along the Georgetown corridor. I am pleased our government has made this section of the corridor a priority by committing to an EA for an electrified Air Rail Link."

 – Laura Albanese
York South-Weston MPP

"I am very excited about the prospect of electrifying this line. I want to thank all the members of my community who provided input to this study. This news wouldn't have been possible without their contributions."

 – Tony Ruprecht
Davenport MPP

 
 
 
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