GO Transit to open $44.8 million parking structure

A new, six-level parking structure will open today at the GO Transit station in Ajax, Ontario.

The structure will add more than 1,000 new parking spaces for a total of more than 1,300 spots. Today, 700 spaces will open on the first three floors. All spaces will be available after construction on the remaining three floors is completed later this year, GO Transit officials said in a press release.

The $44.8 million project is being funded by the governments of Canada and Ontario and the GO Transit Improvement Program.

In addition to expanded parking, the structure includes a new pick-up and drop-off area, a covered connection to a pedestrian tunnel leading to train platforms, a covered connection to bus platforms, and a car-counting system to display available spaces. Eco-friendly features include LED lighting, daylight sensors, solar panels and a "white roof" designed to reflect the sun's energy to reduce the city's temperature, officials said.

"These improvements will provide commuters in both Ajax and Pickering with better access to public transit, reduce commute times and take more cars off the road," said Chris Alexander, a member of Parliament for Ajax-Pickering.