The Initial Business Case (IBC) for the Bowmanville Rail Service Expansion has been finalized, according to Metrolinx, GO Transit operator.
Work is underway on the next step – the Preliminary Design Business Case (PDBC), it added in an update obtained by Durham Post.
Metrolinx said it has received approval on its recommendation that Option 2 with a two-way, all-day service pattern be advanced to the PDBC stage and be further evaluated on the basis that it balances ridership, benefits, and overall project costs.
Next Steps
- Metrolinx will continue to advance negotiations with CN and CP to secure the track access required.
- VIA Rail will be consulted for modifications to the existing Oshawa GO Station to minimize impacts to operations.
- Negotiations with third parties regarding Transit Oriented Development (TOD) at all station locations will continue.
Key Benefits of Option 2 include:
- Better connectivity between Durham Region and the rest of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, supporting economic development and urban development plans in Durham.
- The extension would add additional travel options for residents east of Oshawa, providing access to GO Transit by local transit, walking, or cycling.
- The extension would reduce driving distance for those who would otherwise drive to Oshawa GO Station, and increase parking capacity along the corridor.
Metrolinx said it is committed to deliver more rail service to communities beyond Oshawa.
In January 2018, a new park and ride GO Bus service was added at the parking lots at 500 Howard Street in Oshawa and at 1350 Courtice Road in Courtice to provide a much-needed transit solution to Bowmanville and the surrounding area by direct connections to the Oshawa GO Train Station.
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Good now only 15 years away
It is been a long time in the making. I am 70 this Year, so not in my life time!!
Probably better to go across the CP Belleville sub from downtown Toronto, put stations in whitby, ajax, Pickering and Scarborough to help ease congestion south of the 401
Me too.We could hope we could both we live to be 100