By Laurie Watt

The GO train will roll out of Barrie on Dec. 17.

That’s the day, after more than a decade, when GO train service resumes between the city and Toronto.

Service will feature four trains each morning, leaving from the new station on the northeast corner of Mapleview Drive and Yonge Street, and four trains returning in the afternoon.

The return of the train is a $27-million tripartite project, between Barrie, Ontario and the government of Canada.

Work continues to upgrade the track and install crossing gates. A layover site is also being constructed just west of Tiffin Street, near the Southshore Community Centre.

“Obviously it’s good news,” said Ward 7 Coun. John Brassard, the chairperson of the city’s Community Services Committee. “It’s a bit earlier than what we had heard; they were talking about January.”

According to GO, the site will feature a ticket vending machine, a bus loop and a kiss n’ ride area, as well as parking for 491 cars.

The trip from Barrie is expected to take 90 minutes.

Leaving Barrie, the schedule tentatively is 5:45 a.m., 6:15 a.m., 6:45 a.m., and 7:15 a.m., with arrivals in Toronto ending at 8:45 a.m.

Trains now leave Toronto at 4:10 p.m., 4:40 p.m., 5:17 p.m., and 6 p.m. Arrivals in Barrie are projected to occur at 5:45 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 6:55 p.m. and 7:35 p.m.