It’s time to GO west!
Just in time for some summer exploration, namely the Stratford Festival, the Government of Ontario has announced an extension of the Kitchener GO line to Stratford, beginning operation July 6.
Stratford will be the westernmost stop on the Kitchener line, which currently makes stops in Brampton, Georgetown, Acton, Guelph and Kitchener.
This is not the first time there ahs been GO Train service to Stratford. From 2021 to 2023, Metrolinx piloted service all the way to London, with stops in Stratford and St. Mary’s. That pilot was ended as a result of low ridership.
But as workers continue to return to the office full-time and attendance at summer festivals increase, the province is bringing back an alternative way of getting around.
“This permanent service is a huge win for our residents for both recreational and employment travel, for our student population, and for the thousands of tourists making their way to Stratford,” Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma said in a press release. “It is also a big win for our environment as we continue our work to reduce automobile traffic on local highways and on the 400 highways series.”
Weekday service will support commuters heading east, with a morning trip from Stratford Station to Union Station and a return trip in the afternoon. On the weekend, service will head west towards Stratford in the morning and will return to the Toronto in the evening, encouraging visitors who want to explore Stratford.
The Stratford Festival is a major economic driver for the region, attracting more than 400,000 attendees per year.
Michael Lindsay, President and CEO of Metrolinx, said he himself is a festival fan and is excited to see other festival goers have a reliable public transit option.
“By enhancing accessibility for both residents and visitors, we are proud to play a role in supporting local growth and strengthening ties between communities across Southwestern Ontario,” he said.
Kitchener line expansion is part of Ontario’s $70 billion investment in Metrolinx GO services.
Starting April 27, GO Transit is adding two more express trains to the Kitchener GO line heading to and from Union Station. It includes a morning train leaving Union at 8:49 a.m. and arriving in Kitchener at 10:26 a.m., as well as a 3:43 p.m. train leaving Kitchener and arriving at Union at 5:17 p.m.
GO service also began operating on the weekends on the Kitchener line in November 2025.
– With files from Christine Clark