How Toronto is turning its commuter rail system into a rapid transit network!

Toronto is in the midst of building one of the most ambitious public transportation projects in North America: the GO Expansion.

This transformative upgrade aims to turn GO Transit from an outdated, peak-only commuter rail network into a true regional rapid transit system offering frequent, all-day, two-way service across the Greater Toronto Area.

The project includes electrification of core corridors like the Lakeshore East and West, Kitchener, Stouffville, and Barrie lines, alongside major infrastructure upgrades such as double-tracking, grade separations, new signaling systems based on the European Train Control System (ETCS), and new infill stations that will drastically improve transit coverage.

With a goal of boosting weekly trips from 1,500 in 2015 to over 10,000 by 2030, GO Expansion promises 15-minute service frequencies on major lines, making "turn-up-and-go" travel a reality in Toronto.

In this video I'll look at the history and limitations of the current GO Train system, analyze upcoming expansions like the Bowmanville extension, highlight new stations at East Harbour, King-Liberty, Bloor-Lansdowne, and Mount Dennis, and discuss challenges facing underserved lines like Milton and Richmond Hill.

I'll also look at the potential for through-running at Union Station, future infill stations, land use reform, and how GO Transit could evolve into an RER-style network like those seen in Paris or London.