Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster has called on Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government to set a date for the expansion of GO train service to Bowmanville.
“There have been tangible steps that Metrolinx has taken in terms of contracts,” he told Durham Post in an interview.
“There is work being done that isn’t as publicly visible as we would like. I say that because there is a huge degree of well-earned cynicism. We still need a target date, so people know when to expect to step on the train at any of the four [new] stations on the GO train,” said Foster.
In the budget tabled on April 28 and reintroduced on August 9, Ontario plans investments of $61.6 billion over 10 years for public transit, including the Bowmanville GO Rail Extension.
“We are obviously hopeful that the budget will more clearly articulate the Bowmanville extension. We’re disappointed with the passing reference in the budget, but we’re delighted with the work they are doing and the tangible progress,” said Mayor Foster.
He said he did not want to diminish what the province is doing, but without an understanding and accountability for when it is being delivered, it’s difficult for members of the public to understand the process. Even a note in the budget would have helped.
However, apart from a passing reference (below), the Ontario budge does not provide any details.
“The Bowmanville GO Rail Extension: Ontario is advancing work to expand GO Transit rail services from Oshawa into Bowmanville. This extension along the Lakeshore East corridor will help reduce gridlock and provide expanded rail service in Durham beyond the current terminus at Oshawa GO Station.”
Mayor Foster pointed out that shortly after he was first elected as a local councillor in 2003-2004, an official from Metrolinx did a presentation on Lakeshore East Expansion. “It’s almost 20 years later. It is time!” he said.