Metrolinx has partnered with Aparc Systems and Chargepoint on an environmentally friendly pilot project that will see spaces set aside at select GO stations for electric vehicle charging. The first phase of the project is already underway at five stations: Aurora, Centennial, Lincolnville, Oakville, and Whitby. Each of these stations has two designated spaces for electric vehicle charging with a cost to the driver of $2.50 a session. Users can pay for their charging session by waving a credit card or Chargepoint smart card over a card reader at the site.
In an effort to encourage electric vehicle usage and to fill in any gaps in the availability of charging stations in the community at large, Metrolinx is making the service available to both GO customers and non-GO customers alike.
Phase two of the project, the first of its kind in Ontario, will be rolled out in the winter of 2014 and will see the service extended to another five stations: Ajax, Burlington, Clarkson, Erindale, and Pickering.
The electric vehicle charging pilot project is part of Metrolinx's stated commitment to providing a more efficient, sustainable and integrated transportation network for the GTA and Hamilton region. Metrolinx intend to monitor the pilot project over the next three years to determine the feasibility of extending the service to more GO stations in the future.