The Ontario government is extending GO train service to Stratford, marking a major milestone in the province’s plan to provide fast, reliable and affordable public transit across Ontario. Service will begin July 6, 2026, with the Kitchener GO Line offering one daily round trip between Stratford and Toronto, relieving gridlock and connecting more people to jobs, education and tourism.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is extending fast, reliable and affordable transit to more communities across Ontario,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Bringing GO service to Stratford will make it easier for people to travel to Toronto for work, school and tourism, while also giving Ontarians and visitors a convenient new way to experience Stratford’s world-class attractions and culture.”
Weekday service will support commuters going to work and school in Kitchener, Brampton and Toronto, with a morning trip from Stratford Station to Union Station and a return trip in the afternoon. Weekend service will support visitors wanting to explore Stratford, most notably the world renowned Stratford Festival, with a morning trip from Union Station to Stratford Station and a return trip in the evening.
“Stratford is one of Ontario’s great cultural destinations, home to a signature theatre festival and a vibrant tourism economy,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “By introducing year-round GO train service, we’re making it easier for more people to experience everything Stratford has to offer while supporting local jobs and businesses. This new service will help strengthen tourism in the region and showcase Ontario as a leading destination for arts and culture.”
Expanding service along the Kitchener Line is part of Ontario’s $70 billion investment in the largest transit expansion in North America. The GO Expansion program will deliver two-way, all-day service on GO Transit’s busiest rail routes, while GO extensions will bring new and improved service to communities in Durham Region, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton and Niagara Region.
Quick Facts
GO train service to and from Stratford Station will include stops in Kitchener, Guelph, Acton, Georgetown and Brampton. GO Transit’s April service changes are now available online and include two new weekday express trips between Kitchener and Union Station, as well as the return of 15-minute weekend service on the Lakeshore West and Lakeshore East lines.
The province recently launched the first-ever weekend train service between Toronto and Kitchener and reached an agreement-in-principle to acquire more than 20 kilometres of the Halton subdivision on the Kitchener Line, marking another step toward delivering all-day service as part of the Kitchener Extension Project.
Ontario has invested $14.8 billion to deliver faster, more frequent service across the GO Transit network.
The Stratford Festival is a major economic driver for the region, attracting more than 430,000 attendees in its 2024 season.
The Ontario government has contributed almost $10 million in funding to the Stratford Festival since 2019-20.
Quotes
“Our government is continuing to invest in the infrastructure and transit that connects rural communities to opportunity,” said Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington. “The permanent expansion of GO train service to Stratford will improve access for commuters, support tourism, and help drive economic growth across Perth-Wellington and the surrounding region.”
- Matthew Rae
MPP for Perth—Wellington
“I wish to thank the Ontario Government for this amazing announcement. 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. 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. This is a major win on so many fronts, and I will sleep well tonight.”
- Martin Ritsma
Mayor of Stratford
“We are delighted to extend GO train service to Stratford. The GO network has grown to mean so much more than just a way to get to work; it’s a vital link for people looking to enjoy recreation, leisure and cultural activities across our region. My family makes the trip to the Stratford Festival every year, and I’m especially looking forward to joining fellow riders who will now be able to make that journey by rail. 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.”
- Michael Lindsay
President and CEO, Metrolinx
“This initiative reflects the strength of collaboration between public transportation partners. By working closely with Metrolinx, we are enhancing mobility in Southwestern Ontario in a practical and reliable way. VIA Rail continues to serve the region, and together, we are strengthening passenger rail services to better meet the needs of the communities we serve.”
- Michael Acosta
Chief Commercial Officer, VIA Rail Canada
“We are delighted to welcome the return of GO service between Toronto and Stratford. This renewed connection makes it easier than ever for Canadians to experience the rich and distinctive cultural offerings that define Stratford. We are deeply grateful for this important step forward and look ahead with great excitement to welcoming even more audiences to our stages.”
- Anita Gaffney
Executive Director, Stratford Festival
