More than 3,000 Durham residents and GO train users are said to have signed a petition to Queen’s Park to bring back the Lakeshore East Express train service.
On December 9, Rob Cerjanec, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) from Ajax, introduced a petition in the Ontario Legislature calling on the provincial government to bring back the Lakeshore East Express GO Train and move forward on electrifying the Lakeshore East Line.
“People deserve reliable GO train service. Over 3,000 Durham Region residents and GO train riders have joined my call to bring back the Express GO Train,” said Cerjanec. “The provincial government needs to listen and act instead of providing excuses.”
Transit riders are calling for faster, more reliable, and more convenient service after waiting more than four years for the return of express trains.
Service Cancelled in 2021
Lakeshore East Express service was cancelled in 2021 and was originally expected to resume in August 2024. More than a year later, commuters have received no clear update or timeline other than East Harbour Transit Hub and Ontario Line construction is ongoing.
MPP Cerjanec has offered solutions such as using the existing third track between Danforth and Guildwood GO Stations that Metrolinx already uses when trains are delayed. He has also requested a technical briefing to have confidence that Metrolinx is doing everything possible to bring back express service sooner.
At the same time, the Government of Ontario has announced new return-to-office requirements with Ontario Public Service employees already in-office four days per week, going to five days per week beginning January 5, 2026.
“With more people being required to commute, pressure on the GO Train network and vehicle traffic will increase,” he said. “Durham Region commuters already face some of the longest daily commutes in Ontario, and the continued absence of express service is adding to that burden. The Government of Ontario needs to show respect for Durham Region.”