As readers know, Transport Action Ontario has long advocated for electrification of the GO Rail system and conversion to “surface subway-like” service. Our advocacy started with our “No Little Plan” concept report of 2011 and then with the highly-detailed “Regional Rapid Rail” report of 2013. We were very pleased when our ideas were largely adopted in 2014 in the Province’s Regional Express Rail plan and the City of Toronto’s SmartTrack plan.
One of few areas not picked up by either the Provincial or City plans was our idea to construct an electrified GO Rail branch/spur line to Scarborough Town Centre, rather than an underground subway or a LRT line. Over the past few months, we have been in ongoing detailed discussions with staff and elected officials at the City, and with staff at Metrolinx on this concept, now known as Scarborough Express Rail or SmartSpur.
A series of frequently-asked-questions can be viewed here: TAO-SER-FAQ-2016-02
A technical memo covering various technical aspects of the concept can be viewed here: TAO-SER-TechMemo2016-02-29