The GO train not only drives the economic integration of the golden horseshoe, but has a major role in relieving traffic congestion on the QEW, reducing emissions, and promoting productivity by reducing the time spent commuting. However, practical all-day, year-round GO train service has yet to be delivered to Niagara. 

Without regular rail, sea, or air service, the QEW is the only practical artery linking Niagara with the rest of the Golden Horseshoe. As traffic increases, so do travel times, shipping costs, and frustrations with the tourism experience.

The QEW is becoming increasingly congested. The off-peak travel time between Niagara and Toronto is about 80 minutes; at peak times, this increases by as much as 50%. Average peak-hour speeds between Hamilton and Mississauga are only 60-70 km/h. This congestion feeds into local traffic systems; the average Toronto driver spends 63 hours a year in traffic delays.

Greater GO train service would greatly relieve this pressure. Total annual boardings from all-day, year-round GO train service are projected to be 846,000 at Confederation, 1,788,000 in Grimsby, 549,000 in St. Catharines, and 184,000 in Niagara Falls. Many of these trips represent cars taken off the road. 

The estimated costs of increased service are $1.6B, with total economic benefits of $1.8B. This doesn’t measure other benefits in working hours saved and in emissions and climate impact.

The GNCC is requesting that funding be delivered to deliver a minimum of 18 trains per day to Niagara GO stations in Grimsby, St. Catharines, and Niagara Falls. In order to deliver this, the GNCC also suggests that the Government of Ontario/Metrolinx purchase the rail corridor.

2025-ongoing (in present form; the GNCC has advocated for increased GO service since 2015)