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.

Metrolinx has initiated a study of the electrification of the entire GO Transit rail system as an alternative to the diesel trains now in service. This is the first time that electrification of the entire GO rail system all seven corridors has ever been studied.

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 study 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.