The Ontario government is bringing back year-round weekend GO rail service between Union Station and Niagara Falls. The service will include two round trips each day, offering travellers a faster, more direct journey between downtown Toronto and Canada’s top tourist destination.
“Niagara Falls is a world class tourist venue and draws millions of visitors each year from all over the globe,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Bringing back GO service 365 days a year will make it easier for everyone to access this incredible destination and will boost local businesses all across this region. Our government is getting it done for transit riders across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.”
Beginning this fall, the province will reinstate weekend GO train trips between Toronto’s Union Station and Niagara Falls beyond the previous seasonal end date of October 15, 2022. Originally introduced in 2019, the weekend service was suspended due to unprecedented drops in ridership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As ridership returns to pre-pandemic levels, our government is boosting service to meet demand. GO service to Niagara will unlock access to this key tourist destination and help build Ontario’s economy,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “This service enhancement is another step towards our government’s mandate of fighting gridlock by delivering more frequent GO rail service across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.”
Niagara weekend train trips will be equipped with special bike coaches, enabling passengers to bring along their bicycles to explore the 56-kilometre Niagara River corridor.
“Along with one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, Niagara region is home to hundreds of tourist attractions that create local jobs and support the economy, including historic sites, waterparks and live theatre and music,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “With more GO rail service from Toronto, visitors and residents can easily plan a Niagara adventure and experience the beauty and excitement of the area – all just a short train ride away.”
Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s premier destinations, attracting more than 12 million visitors every year prior to COVID-19. An economic driver for the province, Niagara’s tourism industry supports close to 23,000 jobs in the region. Reinstating year-round GO rail service to Niagara is an important step to building Ontario’s economy and strengthening Niagara’s $1.8 billion tourism industry.
