Train tracks to be doubled in some sections from Georgetown to Kitchener to increase service: Metrolinx

There's a plan to double some of the track from Georgetown toKitchenerto allow more trains to pass the stations, Metrolinx CEO and presidentPhilVerster says.

"Our plan currently is to ...create platforms on both sides of the track that allows us to therefore pass trains in the stations and also pass trains outside of the station," Verstertold people who gathered for a public town hall meeting on March 4at Communitech.

"What you get then are trains that can pass each other and run at higher frequency service," he said.

Verster says the company has started on a plan, costing $75 million,to install passing loops at Georgetown, for more trains to run to Kitchener.

He said Metrolinx will be placing acontract by the end of this year and have the project completed next year, so that residents no longer have to wait till 2024 for two-way, all-day GO trains.

"I know everyone in Kitchener wants services quicker, I made it one of my three higher objectives to get Kitchener services sooner,"Verster said.

"We intend in the next year to have further increases in the service, which is therefore, step by step increases," he said. "The big bottleneck for us remains, Georgetown."

Leslie Woo, the chief planning and development office saidthere are also plans to address the number of level crossings along the corridor to get the trains running at higher speeds.