THUNDER BAY April 3, 2009 - GO Transit commuters will benefit from a $60 million investment in 20 new bi-level railcars, Greg Rickford, Member of Parliament for Kenora, and Mr. Atikokan Bill Mauro, Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay, announced today.
 
“Investments such as this one will help increase economic growth in Thunder Bay and improve service from commuters across Ontario,” said Greg Rickford.  “This investment in public transit will improve the local economy and improve Canada’s lasting legacy.”
 
“This is great news for our local economy,” said MPP for Thunder Bay – Atikokan Bill Mauro. “These contracts will provide a significant source of employment for our workforce.”
 
“This investment is a win-win,” said Canada’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, John Baird. “This project will help the workers in Thunder Bay now and will benefit GO Transit users in the future.”
 
“Ontario is investing in public transit to combat congestion and climate change and to make transit more convenient so more people leave their cars at home,” said Ontario’s Transportation Minister Jim Bradley.  “Supporting public transit creates jobs that help boost the economy.”
 
The 20 new bi-level railcars will allow GO to accommodate more riders by extending more trains, to12 cars. The coaches will be purchased from Bombardier of Thunder Bay between 2009 and 2011.
 
The Government of Canada is setting aside up to $30 million for this project. Federal funding is conditional on the project meeting all federal eligibility requirements of the Building Canada Fund and the signing of a contribution agreement with the Province of Ontario.
 
This project is one of several GO Transit service improvements across the Greater Toronto Area announced today as part the $500 million in joint federal and provincial funding for GO service improvements- originally announced Tuesday, February 17, 2009, by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.
 
Get more information about GO Transit.
 
Learn how the Government of Canada is investing in Ontario infrastructure.
 
Learn about the The Big Move: Transforming Transportation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).