Ontario government extends weekend GO Train service to Niagara Falls
The Ontario government is extending weekend GO Train service between Toronto and Niagara Falls to run all year long in an effort to draw more visitors to one of the province’s busiest tourism hubs.
Premier Doug Ford made the announcement on Friday and said the increased service would be a “huge boost” to the region.
“This is just one part of our mission to build Ontario by bringing more transit options to one of the fastest growing areas of the province,” Ford said.
Prior to Friday’s announcement, the service only ran Monday to Friday and seasonally over the weekends.
- Download our app to get local alerts to your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
The change will now see trains make two round trips each day on Saturday, Sunday and holiday Mondays starting Oct. 15.
Riders can purchase weekend passes for $10, which provides unlimited travel on any one of those days. For an extra 5$, riders can get unlimited travel for the full weekend, including holidays.
The announcement is welcome news to businesses in Niagara Falls, which were particularly hit hard following COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and travel restrictions.
Before then, Niagara Falls would regularly see 12 million visitors annually.
That number dropped by two thirds at the height of the pandemic, according to Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, who spoke with CTV News Toronto back in May of 2020.
Year-round weekend service to Niagara Falls from Union Station was first introduced in 2019 but came to a screeching halt following the onset of COVID-19.
GO train service to Niagara is currently is available on weekdays, and seasonally on weekends.
Ford explained he had always planned to resume the service “as soon as possible” and said that Friday’s announcement makes good on that promise.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.