TORONTO - Metrolinx today released the findings of its comprehensive study of the electrification for the entire GO Transit rail system and the future Air Rail Link (ARL).

After a careful review of the findings, the staff is recommending to the Metrolinx Board of Directors to move forward on the electrification of the GO Georgetown and Lakeshore corridors in phases, beginning with the ARL on the Georgetown corridor.

"Transforming the GO Transit rail network from diesel to electric will create long term transportation benefits for our steadily growing ridership and we need to begin now," said Metrolinx President and CEO Bruce McCuaig. "When combined with the service levels planned for in The Big Move, electrification would represent a significant step towards Express Rail as set out in our regional transportation plan."

The Electrification Study concluded that there are transportation benefits to electrification, which increase over time and as service levels increase. The primary benefits of electrification include shorter travel times for riders and lower operating costs.

High ridership numbers and existing infrastructure improvements make the Lakeshore and Georgetown corridors the strongest candidates for electrification.

The consultant's final report, appendices and staff recommendations are available online at gotransit.com/estudy. They will be reviewed at a special meeting of the Board of Directors on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 where the Board will make a recommendation to the Ontario Minister of Transportation.

Metrolinx is the province's regional transportation agency for the GTHA. For more information, visit our website www.metrolinx.com.

GO Transit is the Province of Ontario's regional public transit service linking Toronto with the surrounding regions of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). GO carries over 55 million passengers a year in an extensive network of train and bus services that spans over 10,000 square kilometres. GO Transit is a division of Metrolinx.