More than 3,000 Durham Region residents and GO Transit riders have signed a petition urging the Ontario government to restore Lakeshore East Express GO Train service and move forward with electrification of the Lakeshore East line.
The petition was formally introduced at Queen’s Park on December 9 by Ajax MPP Rob Cerjanec, who is calling on the province to take action after years of delays.
“People deserve reliable GO train service,” Cerjanec said. “Over 3,000 Durham Region residents and GO train riders have joined my call to bring back the Express GO Train. The provincial government needs to listen and act instead of providing excuses.”
Express service on the Lakeshore East line was cancelled in 2021 and was initially expected to return by August 2024. More than a year past that target, commuters say they have received no clear timeline, with Metrolinx citing ongoing construction related to the East Harbour Transit Hub and the Ontario Line.
Cerjanec has proposed interim solutions, including using the existing third track between Danforth and Guildwood GO stations, which Metrolinx already relies on during service disruptions. He has also requested a technical briefing to ensure all possible options are being explored to reinstate express service sooner.
The issue comes as the provincial government prepares to increase return-to-office requirements, with Ontario Public Service employees moving from four days per week in the office to five days starting January 5, 2026.
“With more people being required to commute, pressure on the GO Train network and road traffic will only increase,” Cerjanec said. “Durham Region commuters already face some of the longest daily commutes in Ontario, and the continued absence of express service is adding to that burden.”
He added that the province must show greater respect for Durham Region commuters by prioritizing faster and more reliable transit service.
Photo Credits : Durham Post
