Metrolinx to ‘significantly’ increase trains to Bowmanville

It said the IBC examined various options and allowed Metrolinx to select one single option for further development through preliminary design and to be evaluation through a Preliminary Design Business Case (PDBC). The PDBC is the next step in Metrolinx’s business case lifecycle.

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.

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 its business case is just one of several factors used in making a final decision. Other factors vary by project and include broad economic objectives, local community considerations, and affordability.

Metrolinx said it is committed to deliver more rail service to communities beyond Oshawa.

In the meantime, Metrolinx continues its service improvements to provide more access to GO services. 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.

“We are focused on bringing better GO services, faster, to our customers in the Greater Golden Horseshoe. We’ve heard directly from our riders that they want more trains, more buses, and expanded routes,” said a Metrolinx statement.

Learn more about the benefits of Option 2 and the methodology that was used to recommend this option.

• 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.
• Option 2 will be advanced through the Metrolinx Benefit Management process and evaluated through a PDBC, in which capital cost estimates and service concepts will be further refined to ensure benefits are maximized.

• October 2017 – Stantec awarded contract to provide technical advisory, design, and construction support services for Bowmanville expansion.
• April 24, 2018 – Public Meeting #1 (Bowmanville)
• April 25, 2018 – Public Meeting #1 (Oshawa)
• February 2019 – Start of GO Bus service to Courtice Road and Ritson Road facilities.
• May 21, 2019 – Public Update Meeting (Bowmanville)
• May 22, 2019 – Public Update Meeting (Oshawa)
• February 20, 2020 – Initial Business Case Update Presented to Metrolinx Board of Directors

• Oshawa to Bowmanville Rail Service Expansion and Rail Maintenance Facility TPAP EA Study (February 2011)

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