Metrolinx has announced that weekend GO train service between Niagara Falls and Toronto will run all year, starting Aug. 31.

The announcement was part of a larger expansion across the GO train network — there will be 84 more train trips each week on the Lakeshore East, Lakeshore West and Kitchener lines, and 65 extended trips on the Lakeshore West, Kitchener and Stouffville lines.

The move increases rush-hour, mid-day and evening availability in the GTA and Hamilton area.

The expansion includes new late-night weekday service between Kitchener and Toronto’s Union Station, and hourly weekday evening service between Brampton and Union Station.

“These changes are another major step in our GO expansion program,” said Metrolinx president and chief executive officer Phil Verster.

“The new express option for Kitchener will save customers 20 minutes in their daily commutes, we’re doubling rush-hour service for West Harbour GO, and weekend Niagara service will now run all year.”

Verster said offering nearly 150 new and extended weekly GO train trips means “our customers have more options to travel when they want to go.”

Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney said core segments of GO’s network will have two-way, all-day rapid transit with service every 15 minutes.

For years, the weekend service has been seasonal between Niagara Falls and Union Station. It’s a popular option for cyclists from Toronto.

The extension of weekend service complements the regular weekday train service, which was launched in January, four years earlier than previously announced.

Although there is only one train out and one train in, Monday to Friday, elected officials said it would be a boost for business, especially tourism, and give people access to Toronto jobs while continuing to live in Niagara.

For more information about schedules, visit gotransit.com.

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With files from The Canadian Press

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