GO Train commuters are now able to take a train weekdays between Niagara Falls and Union Station, the first step Metrolinx is taking to expand service on its Lakeshore West line.

The move began Monday, the first day back to work and school for many Ontarians, and was announced by the transit agency in December. There is only one daily eastbound and westbound trip as of now.

“It’s just the beginning, but our plan is to offer more regular service so you’ll have more options,” Metrolinx spokesperson Anne Marie Aikins said.

The current weekday 6:39 a.m. trip from West Harbour GO in Hamilton will now start at Niagara Falls at 5:19 a.m., stop in St. Catharines at 5:41 a.m., and then continue with the regular stops and schedules.

The westbound 5:15 p.m. trip from Union Station to West Harbour will continue to St. Catharines at 7:22 p.m. and finish at Niagara Falls at 7:47 p.m.

The cost each way is $19.80 with a Presto card, or $22.30 cash.

Aikins declined to give exact numbers of commuters from Niagara Falls and St. Catharines for the first day of service, but said there was a lot of excitement surrounding the inaugural trip.

“By the time it (got) to Toronto, it’s absolutely full,” Aikins said.

Seasonal weekend service to and from Niagara Falls had already been offered in the past, Aikins said, and has proven to be “extremely popular.”

Correction — January 7, 2019: This article was edited from a previous version that misstated the departure time from Niagara Falls.

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Ilya Bañares is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star’s radio room in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @ilyaoverseas

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