Metrolinx acquires full ownership of Toronto-Barrie rail commuter corridor
Metrolinx today purchased from CN the lower portion of the Newmarket Subdivision in central- north Toronto for $68 million. The transaction gives Metrolinx end-to-end ownership of the 60-mile-long Barrie-Bradford GO Train corridor between downtown Toronto and Barrie, ON - a first for the government transit agency.
The Metrolinx line acquisition fills the rail gap between the agency's east- west Union Station Rail Corridor in downtown Toronto, its Weston Subdivision in west-central Toronto, and the northern segment of its commuter rail-line reaching Barrie.
Metrolinx President and CEO Robert Prichard said: "This transaction marks a milestone for the agency, giving us - for the first time - end-to-end ownership of a GO Transit rail line. This transaction with CN - an important partner of ours -- will permit improvements to service between Toronto and Barrie and points in between. Improved commuter rail and mass transit are vital to easing traffic congestion and air pollution in the GTA, while improving the productivity and economic competitiveness of the region."
Under its sales agreement with Metrolinx, CN will continue to serve five freight customers on the lower Newmarket subdivision rail line between Highway 401 and CN's main east-west freight corridor.
