Metrolinx to write off $504 million in Union Station signalling upgrades

Metrolinx says it will write off $504 million spent on signalling upgrades around Union Station after design changes for GO train expansion made most of the work incompatible with the new plan. The provincial transit agency had started the upgrades in 2013, but paused the project in 2023 when it found the existing work might not fit updated plans for expanding GO service. In its annual report, Metrolinx said most of the spending is now considered redundant, bringing total capital asset writeoffs to about $570 million. CEO Michael Lindsay said the loss is part of the cost of expanding GO service, while also noting the broader GO Expansion program faces uncertainty over future government funding. Critics, including Ontario’s NDP transit critic, say the report raises concerns about public spending and call for more transparency.