^ Rendering of the new Old Elm GO Station. Image, Metrolinx.

Starting Tuesday, October 17, GO Transit passengers can access Old Elm GO Station at a new location, 12958 Tenth Line, in the Town of Whitchurch - Stouffville.

All train and bus services will be available at the new station, where staff can help direct you to and from trains, buses and other amenities.

The new station features:

• a bus loop for GO buses and possible future service by York Region Transit buses;
• a passenger pick-up and drop-off area (or “kiss and ride”) near the platform;
• a passenger waiting area;
• cycling access and amenities, including 35 standard bike racks;
• an accessible platform and barrier-free access to parking for 673 vehicles (654 standard parking stalls, 15 barrier-free accessibility stalls and four stalls for scooters or motorbikes);
• heated shelters, a platform canopy, and a platform snow-melting system;
• new signalized intersections at the bus entrance and the main entrance to accommodate more vehicle traffic;
• PRESTO fare-card machines and a ticket-vending machine.

The new station is southwest of the old station, on the opposite side of Tenth Line and closer to the urbanized area of Stouffville.

GO is also adjusting the schedules for trains along the line due to the new station.

Metrolinx and GO Transit renamed Lincolnville GO Station to honour the 200-year-old elm tree that stands on the site of the new station Saturday, October 16, 2021.

In a Metrolinx [news blog post]https://www.metrolinx.com/en/news/lincolnville-go-station-renamed-to-honour-200-year-old-elm-tree) Aman Gill, Metrolinx communications planning senior advisor wrote, “In preliminary plans for the new station, the tree was slated for removal to clear a path for the new bus loop. However, after consultation with the community and stakeholders in 2019, the importance of the tree to the surrounding community was clear and its preservation quickly emerged as a top priority for the project.”

The project to replace the station with a new one continued for two years. According to the post, “the future relocated Old Elm GO station will be easier to navigate and provide [passengers] a safer and more reliable transit experience. It is also designed to accommodate increased GO service along the Stouffville line.”

^ The elm tree stands tall during construction. Elm trees can grow to more than 25 metres in height. Image, Metrolinx.

One of the major safety improvements at the new station means passengers no longer have to cross tracks to catch their bus or train.

The former Lincolnville GO Station will become a train-layover facility where Metrolinx can store and maintain more trains.

^ Rendering of the bus loop at the new Old Elm GO Station. Image, Metrolinx.