Metrolinx buys portion of CN rail line

Metrolinx, Ontario’s regional transport agency for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, has purchased a section of CN’s Kingston Subdivision rail line, used primarily for regional and intercity rail operations in eastern Toronto, for C$299 million. The segment acquired runs from east of Toronto’s Union Station to a junction near Whites Road in Pickering, Ont., where the line connects with GO Transit’s separate rail right-of-way.

Metrolinx President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce McCuaig said, “With today’s announcement, Metrolinx gains full ownership of an important segment of GO Transit’s Lakeshore East commuter rail corridor from Union Station to Oshawa, Ont., and a direct connection to GO’s Stouffville corridor in eastern Toronto.” Metrolinx now owns 61% o the right-of-way used by GO Transit.

CN President and Chief Executive Officer Claude Mongeau said, “We are pleased to have concluded this sales agreement to transfer a critical link in the commuter rail network to Metrolinx, while protecting CN’s operating rights over this line to ensure continued service to its freight customers. CN has a strong partnership with Metrolinx and we will continue to support commuter rail as a sustainable mode of transport in the Greater Toronto Area.”