“Connectivity is just as important as service,” Jones said. “That’s what we need, versatility on the lines.”

The next step is to start planning transit stations, he added.

Last month, the city endorsed Metorlinx’s and GO Transit’s environmental assessment plan with several of its own conditions.

The assessment looks at the Stouffville GO line between the Scarborough Junction and the Unionville GO Station that will allow for double tracking and all-day, everyday two-way service.

For more than two years, Markham has been pushing for anti-whistle zones, electrification of the line as well as secure funding models.

The city has also asked for the assessment to go beyond the Unionville GO Station and farther north to Major Mackenzie Drive.

GO Transit, meanwhile, has not addressed Markham’s issues.

The city has also taken the lead on developing a working group that includes Markham, York Region, Toronto and Metrolinx for the future of the corridor.

According to Tory’s new plan, it will take about seven years to build and about $8 million to fund GO rail electrification and new trains.

Tory plans to fund a third of the project by leveraging property tax revenue over 30 years.

– with files from Torstar News Service