Southwestern Ontario is getting a new transit option.

Starting October 18, Metrolinx is introducing a GO train service pilot to London by extending service beyond the Kitchener GO line.

Trips will run each weekday between Toronto’s Union Station and London, extending GO’s Kitchener line to new stops in St. Marys, Stratford, and London – using existing VIA Rail stations.

As part of the GO pilot, the transit agency is offering one early morning GO train trip from London to Toronto and one evening trip from Toronto to London.

How long will it take?

The pilot will operate on the northern route (with CN Rail having granted access to their tracks), extending the Kitchener GO corridor.

• Trips between London and Kitchener will take about two hours
  
• Trips between London and Toronto will take about four hours

How to buy tickets

All customers leaving from or going to London, St. Marys, or Stratford will need to pay their fare with GO e-tickets. PRESTO is not available for these trips.

GO customers will need to buy their e-ticket online here before getting on board. Similar to a movie or concert ticket, they are sent by email and must be activated using a smartphone five minutes prior to boarding.

Tickets will be available for purchase later this fall, closer to the start of service.  

In order to offer the new GO service to London, Metrolinx worked alongside VIA Rail for the use of their stations and CN Rail for access to the tracks.

Since this is a pilot, Metrolinx will be closely evaluating the project and working with rail partners to determine the future of the service.

Metrolinx officials say more detailed schedule and fare information will be available closer to launch. But here’s more information on a dedicated page.