GO Transit line that services Brampton and Halton Hills turns 50, shows off ’70s fares
Published May 1, 2024 at 10:22 am
Believe it or not, you used to be able to ride the GO Train for less than a dollar.
A relatively unknown historical event took place this week, as the Kitchener GO Transit line celebrated 50 years in operation.
This service route has stops in Brampton and helps numerous Ontarians make their way to the city, whether coming from Union Station in Toronto from the east or Kitchener itself from the west.
According to information from Metrolinx, before it became known for its final stop in Kitchener, it was the Georgetown line and provided a major artery for people in central Ontario looking to make their way west of the big city. As of today, the Kitchener line has numerous projects in the works, such as a station in Liberty Village and one near the Stockyards district in Toronto.
Additional updates include upgrades to the Bramalea and Weston GO stations and renovations to several corridor sections.
Here’s a look at the fares riders paid when the line launched on April 29, 1974.
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Beyond its initial application, the Kitchener line was the second passageway added to the then-very young GO Train network, indicating that the Kitchener line would lead on to inspire what is now the vast web of GO Transit services.
According to Metrolinx, initial monthly numbers in its first year in 1974 were staggering, with nearly 36,000 reported commuters using its services. Only to almost double in its second year with 65,000 individuals per month.
Additional data indicates that even today, the Kitchener line is still growing, as there are plans to overhaul it into a two-way line that runs all day and across all stations. So whether you are taking your morning commute to Brampton and beyond — or are going on a weekend trip — it seems that you’ll be cruising on a part of both Ontario’s transit past and future.
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