“Ontario’s government is aiming to electrify Toronto’s GO train network using hydrogen fuel cell technology, demonstrating the government’s commitment to clean technology and desire to reduce emissions! Assessments are being conducted with the aim of using the technology for express rail by 2025.“
– Marcus Deans, CleanTech Academy Graduate & WEtech Alliance Intern
Via Canadian Manufacturing – July 9, 2017
The Ontario government is looking into using hydrogen-powered trains to replace the diesel locomotives that currently ferry commuters across the Greater Toronto Area.
The province’s Transportation Minister, Steven Del Duca, was at GO Transit’s Willowbrook yard in Etobicoke June 15 to kick off the environmental assessment process for the major infrastructure project.
“Electrification is an important step forward for regional rail in Ontario,” Del Duca said. “It is critical that we get it right.”
The push to electrify the Toronto area rail system is part of a $21.3 billion project Queen’s Park says will convert the commuter-focused GO Transit network into a regional rapid transit system. Trains will run more frequently both in and out of Toronto—and they’re expected to do so on electrical power as the province pares down on greenhouse gas emissions and noxious diesel fumes damaging to human health.
