Concept designs for GO station in Cambridge revealed

The public is getting a closer look at a proposal to connect Cambridge to Toronto by train.

The Region of Waterloo held a virtual meeting Tuesday night and revealed concept designs for a potential GO station in Cambridge.

The proposed Pinebush Station would connect to Guelph, where riders could then get on the Kitchener Line and have access to stops like Union Station and Pearson Airport.

"Pinebush Station was identified as the preferred terminus in the feasibility work," said Michael Sutherland, director of consulting firm Hatch. "It's a simple service as you can imagine. It's two stations with a track in between and we've got different ways to run the service, but essentially, transferring between the two stops and they connect to the Kitchener Line in Guelph."

The service would run on the Fergus subdivision, currently operated by CN Rail, with plans for GO rail service to work alongside the planned LRT expansion.

“You would take the train, cross the platform and then get on another train, and ideally services would be timed so the interchange time is very minimal,” Sutherland said.

The region estimates the project will cost between $440 million and $550 million. Up to $150 million in anticipated operating and maintenance costs are expected to be covered by annual fare revenue.

The proposal is still in the early stages and needs to undergo detailed project reviews and community engagement.

It would also need formal funding, along with approval from regional council in order to get the green light.