[IMAGE]GO-Transit-train-full-3.jpg[/IMAGE]The board of Toronto-based Metrolinx approved the staff recommendation to begin electrification of the Lakeshore and Georgetown GO Transit rail corridors, with the new Air Rail Link (ARL) as the first phase.

"Electrification will provide important transportation benefits to our current and future riders," said Metrolinx Chair Rob Prichard. "Electrification is an essential step toward the long-term vision of Express Rail laid out in The Big Move." 

The year-long study recently completed by Metrolinx revealed important transportation benefits associated with electrification, and these benefits would increase over time and as service levels increase. These benefits include shorter travel times for riders and lower operating costs.

The Air Rail Link between Union Station and Pearson International Airport was recommended as the first phase as Metrolinx already owns the corridor, it would not require the electrification of the Union Station train shed area, and it will operate as a distinct service from GO Transit. 

The staff recommendation and study's final report were released on Jan. 19, 2011 and presented to the board at a special public meeting.

The final report, appendices and staff recommendation is available online.

Metrolinx is the province's regional transportation agency for the  Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

GO Transit is the Province of Ontario's regional public transit service linking Toronto with the surrounding regions of the GTHA. GO carries over 55 million passengers a year in an extensive network of train and bus services that spans over 10,000 square kilometres. GO Transit is a division of Metrolinx.