Projects Status Update
In December 2010, Metrolinx completed the Electrification Study
which investigated the implications of electrifying the GO Train
network. Based on the findings from the Study, the decision was made
to commence the preliminary design and engineering of the power
supply and distribution for the Georgetown and Lakeshore corridors
and the undertake the environmental assessment for Phase 1: the Air
Rail Link (ARL) from Union Station to Pearson Airport.
For the EA to evaluate the electrification of the ARL service, the
Transit
Project Assessment Process (or TPAP) will be used.
The EA will look at possible impacts (both negative and positive) associated
with converting the ARL from a diesel to electric operation.
Following a competitive review process, a consultant contract for the
preliminary design and environmental assessment (EA) for the electrification of
the ARL was chosen. The contract was awarded to
Parsons Brinckerhoff, a global
consulting firm with expertise in the planning, development, design,
construction, operation and maintenance of electrification infrastructure
construction and management.
Project Background
Electrification Study: Findings and Final Report
On May 26, 2009, Metrolinx announced that it would be undertaking a one-year
study on the feasibility of electrification of the entire GO rail system. In
comparison to other similar studies, this study was unique as it examined the
entire GO rail system. It was comprehensive in its approach and addressed the
impact of different technologies at a high level of detail. The Study considered
the economic, social, environmental, health, and technological factors for
current and future diesel and electric technologies. The study was completed in
December 2010.
On January 19, 2011, Metrolinx released the findings of its comprehensive study
on the electrification of the entire GO Transit rail system and the future Air
Rail Link (ARL), as a future alternative to Tier-4 diesel trains.
After a careful review of the findings, the staff recommended to the Metrolinx
Board of Directors to proceed with the electrification of the GO Georgetown and
Lakeshore corridors in phases, beginning with the ARL on the Georgetown
corridor. At its Board meeting on January 26, 2011, the Metrolinx Board of
Directors approved the staff recommendation. The Province of Ontario, through
the Ministry of Transportation, supported the commencement of the preliminary
design and engineering of the power supply and distribution for the Georgetown
and Lakeshore corridors and the environmental assessment for Phase 1: the Air
Rail Link from Union Station to Pearson Airport.
Reference Materials
Shortly after Metrolinx announced that it would undertake a comprehensive study
of the electrification of the entire GO Transit rail system, the Metrolinx Board
of Directors established a
Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to assist in developing the Terms of
Reference for the study.
The CAC provided substantive advice to Metrolinx, helping to shape the Terms of
Reference for the Electrification Study. The CAC, whose mandate was complete
once the Terms of Reference were developed, consisted of a diverse group of
transit and engineering experts, community leaders, GO Transit riders, and urban
planners. Members of the former CAC have been invited to continue their
participation as the Electrification Study continues.
The Big Move
In late 2008, Metrolinx published a Regional Transportation Plan
The Big Move a multimodal vision for regional
transportation to strengthen the economic, social and environmental
sustainability of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. The Big Move
sets out a fast, frequent and expanded regional rapid transit network as a key
element of the plan. The plan includes establishing Express Rail and Regional
Rail services at speeds and frequencies that could be enhanced by system
electrification.
