After review of the findings, the staff is recommending to the Metrolinx Board of Directors to move forward on the electrification of the GO Georgetown and Lakeshore corridors in phases, beginning with the ARL on the Georgetown corridor.

“The staff recommendation is based on the transportation benefits associated with electrification,” said Bruce McCuaig, President and CEO of Metrolinx. “These benefits include journey time savings for our customers and a reduction in operating costs. In addition, proceeding with the recommended option for electrification is a significant step towards the Big Move’s long term vision for Express Rail."

The electrification of ARL would cost $457 million. Targeted for a 2014/15 in service date, the ARL will be a self-propelled, single-level, multiple unit, and premium shuttle service connecting Union Station to Pearson International Airport.

“Having the first phase on a dedicated service such as the ARL would enable GO Transit to develop the experience and capacity needed for future phases,” states the report explaining why ARL was chosen to be the first line to carry out the electrification.

The final report, appendices and staff recommendations are available online at www.gotransit.com/estudy. They will be reviewed at a special meeting of the Board of Directors on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 where the Board will make a recommendation to the Ontario Minister of Transportation.

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