An external advisory committee made up of community representatives, including riders andindependent technical experts, will be formed to aid in the study effort. “This committee's advice will be important as we move forward in designing the study to guide us in converting GO Transit's urban rail network from diesel toelectric," said Rob Prichard, Metrolinx president and CEO.

Among the issues expected to be addressed criteria to determine the staging of electrification of GO's rail lines; performance improvements for riders; power supply and distribution; capacity issues at Toronto’s Union Station, the hub of GO Transit operations; rail corridor ownership; urban planning benefits; vehicle technology options and availability; physical constraints; property impacts; and the impacts on GO capital and operating costs.

The study could commence this summer and be completed by winter 2010.