NEWS RELEASE
WATERLOO REGION
***********************
To thank customers and mark five years of ION light rail transit in the Region of Waterloo, Grand River Transit (GRT) is celebrating with community events and entertainment at transit stations and a weekend of free service.
GRT will offer free transit on ION light rail, all GRT bus routes, and MobilityPLUS on Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23.
GRT will also be hosting a fifth birthday party at Fairway Station in the park and ride lot, as well as community events at Waterloo Public Square, Frederick Station and Ainslie Street Terminal from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 22. The events will feature live entertainment, including performers and musicians, face painting and transit giveaways.
ION light rail launched June 21, 2019 and is the spine of GRT’s network. It runs between Conestoga Station in Waterloo and Fairway Station in Kitchener, with 19 stations along the route.
Since service began in 2019, ION light rail has carried more than 19 million passengers, and over $5 billion has been invested in development along the existing line.
“The launch of ION was a coming of age moment for our community,” said Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo. “On that day in 2019, I heard so many people say we finally felt like one big community. Today, I am incredibly proud of the outcome we achieved for all residents. I am proud to see what our community has become since ION launched. And I look forward to seeing even more growth in the future.”
More details about the community celebration are available at grt.ca.
***********************
ION light rail is turning five and it’s time for a celebratION!
— Grand River Transit (@GRT_ROW) June 10, 2024
All GRT service will be free on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23. On June 22, we’ll be holding a party at Fairway Station from 11-3.
(1/2) pic.twitter.com/BRQsdmoRjL
