A brand-new parking structure in Vaughan is open for customers at Rutherford GO Station.

With approximately 1,200 net new covered parking spots and 100 spots for secure bike storage, Metrolinx is making it easier for commuters to get to and from the station.

Take a virtual tour by watching this video and there’s lots of photos to check out if you scroll down.

The structure is fully accessible and provides approximately 30 spaces reserved for accessible parking. It has a direct connection to the station building and the pedestrian bridge will open soon, which will provide a safe and convenient crossing to the upgraded east platform.

The parking structure also includes digital displays, lighting, electric vehicle charging, and a state-of-the-art car counting system.

The new car counting system will identify which levels have vacant spots and each level of the parking structure will be color coded to help customers remember where they parked.

Traditional wayfinding signage is installed within the parking structure as well as a design feature known as a screening system. 

Rutherford GO’s parking structure is wrapped with vertical aluminum ‘fins’ that are rotated to create a wave-like pattern on the building façades. While this pattern enhances the overall design of the parking structure, it also provides a practical function because these patterns set up visual cues to guide passengers.

The concept of using design elements to guide visitors is referred to as ‘intuitive wayfinding’, and it is an important feature of this station.

Transforming Rutherford GO Station is part of Metrolinx’s plan to expand transit for two-way, all-day service on the Barrie GO Line.

LEED Building Certification

Along with the new station building, the parking structure is also targeting a gold level of certification under the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program.

LEED is a green building certification program used worldwide and gold is the second highest of four certification levels.

The station’s architectural, mechanical, and electrical systems and equipment have been designed for increased energy efficiency. Light pollution reduction and overall water-use reduction is being implemented through careful selection of lighting and plumbing fixtures.

Have a look at the project benefits:

• An entirely new and improved Rutherford GO station building with updated amenities including customer washrooms and digital displays
• New parking structure featuring approximately 1,200 net new spaces
• 100 new secure bike parking spots inside the new parking structure
• A new railway bridge over Rutherford Road enhancing safety and allowing trains to travel above traffic, enabling two-way, all-day GO train service in the future
• Bike lanes and a pedestrian bridge over the road that provide convenient new ways to reach the station
• An upgraded bus loop for more seamless connections to GO Transit and York Region Transit
• Upgraded passenger pick up drop off area
• Additional landscaping

As part of the GO Expansion program, Metrolinx is working to bring customers 15-minute, all-day, two-way service between Bradford GO Station and Union Station in the future.

The program will also extend frequent service to Barrie South and Allandale Waterfront GO with 30-minute two-way, all-day GO train service. By making improvements today, the Barrie Line will allow for faster and quieter trains to get people where they need to go.

To learn more about the continued progress at Rutherford GO and to subscribe to a weekly e-newsletter, visit www.metrolinx.com/rutherford.

Updates are also available by following the projects on Twitter and questions can be sent to YorkRegion@metrolinx.com.