[URBAN NOTE] "GO and Smarttrack are one and the same service, says Metrolinx"

[rfmcdonald]

The Toronto Star's Tess Kalinowski helps clear some of the confusion surrounding regional transit plans. Some, mind.

Metrolinx has finally answered the question that has confounded transit watchers since Mayor John Tory campaigned on his $8-billion signature transit plan. SmartTrack and GO's regional express rail plan are the same thing — at least for now — says the head of the provincial agency.

"An independent and parallel service would be unaffordable and unworkable," Metrolinx CEO Bruce McCuaig wrote to city manager Peter Wallace in a letter dated Oct. 6.

Both SmartTrack and GO propose running electric trains at 15-minute frequencies on the GO tracks surrounding the city, connecting Markham and the west end through Union Station.

The mayor has been vague on how his service will be distinguishable from GO. Now, Metrolinx has a clear answer: At this point, there is no difference.

But it’s not clear what, if anything, that will mean for the future of SmartTrack.