The study suggests high ridership and existing infrastructure
improvements make the Georgetown/Airport and Lakeshore West corridors
the strongest candidates for electrification.

go-electric.jpgThe total cost of
the project would be $C 1.6-1.8 billion ($US 1.6 - 1.8 billion) and the
initial ARL phase would cost $C 457 million.

According to Metrolinx,
electrification would reduce journey times from Toronto to Hamilton and
Kitchener by 5-10 minutes and would result in operational savings of up
to $C 18 million per year.

Metrolinx announced in November last
year it was entering formal negotiations with Sumitomo Corporation to
exercise an option for up to 18 dmus for ARL as part of the contract to
supply trains to Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit in California. It is
not yet clear how this decision will be affected by the electrification
study, the findings of which are due to be discussed at a special
meeting of the Metrolinx board on January 26.