Ontario to start GO train service to Stratford on July 6

GO train service to Stratford will begin on July 6, 2026. The Kitchener GO Line will run one daily round trip between Stratford and Toronto. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Ontario said the extension is meant to improve access to jobs, education and tourism. It is also meant to help relieve congestion.

“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.”

GO train service to Stratford schedule

On weekdays, the service is aimed at commuters and students travelling to Kitchener, Brampton and Toronto. The Ontario Newsroom announcement sets out the timetable. It includes a morning trip from Stratford Station to Union Station. It also includes a return trip in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, weekend trips are intended for visitors heading to Stratford. They are aimed in particular at Stratford Festival attendees. Ontario said the weekend schedule will include a morning trip from Union Station to Stratford Station. It will also include a return trip in the evening.

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“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.”

Kitchener GO Line expansion and Ontario transit investment

Ontario said the added Stratford service on the Kitchener GO Line is part of its $70 billion investment in the largest transit expansion in North America. Under the GO Expansion program, two-way, all-day service will be delivered on the busiest GO Transit rail corridors. GO extensions will also bring new and improved service to communities in Durham Region, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton and Niagara Region.

Stops and April service changes

Service to and from Stratford Station will stop in Kitchener, Guelph, Acton, Georgetown and Brampton. In addition, Metrolinx said GO Transit’s April service changes are now available online. They include two new weekday express trips between Kitchener and Union Station. They also include the return of 15-minute weekend service on the Lakeshore West and Lakeshore East lines.

Recent Kitchener Line steps

Separately, the province recently launched the first-ever weekend train service between Toronto and Kitchener. It also reached an agreement-in-principle to buy more than 20 kilometres of the Halton subdivision on the Kitchener Line, as Metrolinx has reported. Ontario said the move marks another step toward delivering all-day service as part of the Kitchener Extension Project.

Also, 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. It attracted more than 430,000 attendees in its 2024 season. The provincial government has contributed almost $10 million in funding to the festival since 2019-20.

Metrolinx, VIA Rail Canada and local reaction

Provincial and local officials

“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

Transport and cultural response

“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

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