Milton Voters Want Better Transit — Here’s What Federal Candidates Are Promising

Milton's residents and leaders are asking the next federal government to make public transit a top priority.

They’re asking for things like:

• Two-way, all-day GO train service from Milton GO Station

• More funding for local bus services

• A new GO station on the east side of town

These improvements aren’t just nice to have — town officials say they’re urgently needed. Transit was the top item on Milton’s federal election wish list ahead of the April 28 vote.

Mayor Gord Krantz says Milton is growing fast, and people need good ways to travel both around town and to places like Toronto.

“What I want is a real commitment to help pay for transit,” said Krantz. “This isn’t just about Milton — the whole Halton Region needs better service. Transit doesn’t stop at borders.”

Transit ridership in Milton is rising fast. In 2024, more than 1 million rides were taken on Milton Transit — a 73% increase from the year before.

To keep up, the town has:

• Added new bus routes

• Bought new buses

• Launched a multi-million-dollar transit expansion plan

Andrew Scott, a town official, says ridership will keep growing, especially because of students.

“We have about 2,000 students in Milton now. They’re using transit a lot — to get around town and to travel to other places,” said Scott. “As we grow the Milton Education Village, we expect even more student riders.”

The Milton GO train line is the fourth-busiest in the system. It could see 94,000 riders a day by 2041. But service is still limited.

Right now, GO trains only run on weekdays — one group in the morning heading to Toronto, and another in the afternoon heading back. Trains are often packed. The 3:40 p.m. train from Union Station is so crowded, some people don’t get seats.

Milton commuters have been asking for two-way, all-day service for years. Many hope the next federal government will finally make it happen.

Milton resident Bianca Morson, who commutes to Toronto often, says more train times would make a big difference.

“It would make my life a lot easier,” said Morson. “Right now, I have to plan my whole day around the train schedule. If I want to leave early, I can’t.”

Some residents go to Oakville GO Station to catch trains on the Lakeshore Line, which runs more often — even Mayor Krantz does that sometimes.

Krantz says better GO service isn’t just about getting people out of Milton.

“People think everyone in Milton travels to Toronto or Mississauga for work,” said Krantz. “But just as many people come into Milton to work. And right now, it's hard for them to do that using transit.”

What the Federal Candidates Are Saying:

Conservative Party of Canada Nadeem Akbar (Burlington North—Milton West)

"Expanding transit, especially in rural areas, helps with both transportation and housing. It’s about building connected communities. Everyone should have access."

Parm Gill (Milton East—Halton Hills South)

Did not attend the April 22 meeting or respond to media questions.

Green Party of Canada Susan Doyle (Milton East—Halton Hills South)

Not participating in media interviews during the campaign.

Independent Shahbaz Mahmood Khan (Milton East—Halton Hills South)

“Milton is growing fast, and we need federal help to support that growth. I support two-way, all-day GO service and a future Agerton GO station. I’ll also push for steady funding for Milton Transit.”

Liberal Party of Canada Adam van Koeverden (Burlington North—Milton West)

“We approved $7.2 million for Milton’s transit over the next 10 years. That’s on top of $3.2 million I announced in 2020. We’re also working with a local company to turn diesel buses into electric hybrids. GO train service in both directions, all day, is a key goal.”

Kristina Tesser Derksen (Milton East—Halton Hills South)

“It’s a top issue for people here. I was at the GO station and someone told me how bad the train schedule is. I’ve lived it, I get it. If elected, I’ll make better service a priority.”

New Democratic Party (NDP)Naveed Ahmed (Burlington North—Milton West)

“We’re pushing for full-day GO train service. If elected, the NDP will make big improvements that this community has never seen before.”

Muhammad Riaz Sahi (Milton East—Halton Hills South)

“Transportation is the backbone of the economy. We need more two-way service and more investment in transit.”

People’s Party of Canada Charles Zach (Burlington North—Milton West)

“We support expanding GO Transit and improving transit across Ontario — even looking into high-speed rail and rural connections.”

Walter J. Hofmann (Milton East—Halton Hills South)

“Milton’s population is growing fast. We need to work with all levels of government to support better transit. If the CN Intermodal project moves forward, I’ll push CN to invest in our community.”

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