Electrifying GO train system to be studied

subscribe

Metrolinx will mount an unprecedented study of electrifying the entire GO train system, including the controversial Georgetown line.

Expected to cost more than $2 million, the study is the most comprehensive in GO's history, say transit officials, who are under pressure from the community concerned about diesel pollution to electrify the Georgetown line, due for a $1 billion expansion. The expansion is necessary for GO to offer two-way, all-day service to Brampton and Georgetown and to run a rail link between Union Station and Pearson airport.

This will be the first broad look at the health and community impacts, as well as the economics of electrification, Metrolinx officials said at a board meeting. Earlier studies examined electrifying the Lakeshore line only and focused on the cost of electric versus diesel.

This latest study will also consider alternative rail technologies.

But whether electric trains or clean diesel locomotives run up the expanded Georgetown corridor, it will be years before commuters in Brampton and Georgetown see all-day, two-way service, said Gary McNeil, managing director of GO, which has merged with Metrolinx.

Despite a Metrolinx report projecting 59 GO trains running up the corridor to Georgetown in 2015 when the expansion opens, McNeil said only 10 additional trains might be added to the existing 19.

About 460 trains are expected to use the lower ends of the corridor when expansion is complete, including about 140 that will provide a rail link between Union Station and Pearson, and those that branch off to Bolton, Barrie and Milton.

The study, to be finished next December, is critical for GO to make the business case for electrification in the future, which transit officials have been looking at for 30 years on the Lakeshore line, said McNeil.

Many Toronto residents living along the Georgetown line tracks say the study is a waste of time and money. A 2009 GO analysis showed it would cost about $1 billion to electrify the Lakeshore line.

But that outlay would be offset by $100 million in annual operational savings, said Keith Brooks of the Clean Train Coalition, which opposes diesel trains on the Georgetown line.

"That study clearly indicated this is the best economic case, not to mention all the environmental and health impacts," he said.

Related News

hydro quebec

Hydro-Quebec won't ask for rate hike next year

MONTREAL - Hydro-Quebec Distribution will not file a rate adjustment application with the province’s energy board this year.

In a statement released on Friday the Crown Corporation said it wants current electricity rates to be maintained for another year, starting April 1. That is consistent with the recently tabled Bill 34, which guarantees lower electricity rates for Quebecers.

The bill also provides a $500 million rebate in 2020, half of which will go to residential customers while $190 million will go to commercial customers and another $60 million to industrial ones.

Hydro-Quebec said the 2020-21 rate freeze will generate savings of nearly $1…

READ MORE
elon musk

Elon Musk could help rebuild Puerto Rico with solar-powered electricity grid

READ MORE

electricity-prices-in-france-turn-negative

Electricity Prices in France Turn Negative

READ MORE

$1.6 Billion Battery Plant Charges Niagara Region

$1.6 Billion Battery Plant Charges Niagara Region for Electric Vehicle Future

READ MORE

wind power

UK must start construction of large-scale storage or fail to meet net zero targets.

READ MORE