All aboard! Brantford states its case for GO Train service.

City officials are hoping everyone will climb aboard plans to extend GO Train Service to Brantford.

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A document – ​​Brantford On Track: Paving the Way for GO Rail Extension – outlines the benefits GO Rail service would provide to Brantford and the rest of Southwestern Ontario.

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“Brantford is on the cusp of an exciting transformation, and the extension of GO Rail service is a crucial part of our vision for the future,” Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis said in a statement. “As our population grows and economic opportunities expand, we must invest in efficient, sustainable transportation options.

“This proposal not only aligns with our community’s needs but also supports broader provincial objectives.”

GO train extension to Brantford is more than a matter of convenience, Davis said.

He calls it a “pivotal step” to building a sustainable, prosperous and vibrant Southwestern Ontario.

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The city’s pitch for GO Rail Transit can be viewed at www.brantford.ca/en/your-government/resources/City-of-Brantford–GO-transit-report–Nov-6-2023.pdf.

The 35-page proposal covers, among other things, the city’s expected population growth to 165,000 in 2051 from 104,688 in 2021. The projected growth could result in some significant challenges, namely congestion on Highway 403, which could be alleviated by GO Train service.

As well, GO Train service, would help accommodate an increase in employment expected to come as a result of population growth.

The proposal identifies the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area as a major source of greenhouse gas and one of the region’s “major contributors to climate change.”

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GO Train service would help get people out of vehicles and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Without GO train service, Brantford and area residents would be forced to continue to rely on vehicles, the proposal says.

At present, the city is served by GO bus service and the closest train station is in Aldershot where, according to the proposal, parking is consistently at capacity.

“The extension of GO Rail service to Brantford will positively impact all residents of the City of Brantford, the County of Brant, and Six Nations of the Grand River,” the proposal states. “It promises to elevate the overall quality of life for all citizens, even those who may not directly use the service.

“This expansion will bring about a remarkable improvement by alleviating traffic congestion and shortening travel times for everyone, regardless of whether they personally make use of the rail service.”

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Those area residents who now travel by bus or vehicle to Aldershot could instead, use the Brantford station. In addition to alleviating the stress of driving, the Brantford station would enhance the reliability of their daily commute, the proposal says.

Putting a GO station in Brantford would serve as a gateway for GO train service to Woodstock, Ingersoll and London. Officials in all three communities have been made aware of Brantford’s pitch and are supportive, Davis said.

The proposal is addressed to Hon. Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation and includes letters of support from the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant, Wilfrid Laurier University, Conestoga College and Brantford-Brant MPP Will Bouma.

Davis said the city broached the idea with provincial transportation ministry officials earlier this year. Provincial officials then asked the city to develop a business case for extending GO train service.

Plans call for Davis and city officials to with the transportation minister and other top provincial officials within the next four to six weeks.

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