Ion is the light rail transit system part of Grand River Transit serving the Region of Waterloo cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge. The system operates on a combination of separated and on-street tracks.
EasyGO is the automated fare collection system for Grand River Transit and Ion.
Note: Presto is not accepted as a payment card.
Credit cards and mobile wallets are also accepted.
Fares
GRT uses a timed ticket system. Ride and transfer for up to 120 minutes.
Services
Ion light rail operates as the backbone for Grand River Transit’s network. This “hub and spoke” system capitalizes on the high capacity of ION rapid transit that runs north-south through the region.
Destinations
GRT cover the entirety of the urban areas of Kitchener and Waterloo with future plans to extend southbound towards Cambridge.
Baggage
GRT’s “What can I bring” page breaks down what riders can and cannot bring onboard.
Classes
Pros
- Fast & frequent Ion light rail system.
- Comfortable ride as the trains offer a smoother, quieter ride
- Extensive regional coverage to the tri-cities and outlying areas.
- Environmentally friend with battery electric fleet and fully electric Ion trains.
- Excellent for students of University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Conestoga College with U-Pass.
- Fully accessible level boarding at all station.
Cons
- Lack of Ion service to Cambridge. Although extension plans have been approved.
- Limited coverage as the single line only serves Kitchener and Waterloo in a north-south corridor.
- Crowding at peak times especially at universities and downtown areas.
- Limited light-night service means planning ahead when staying out late.
- Lack of proper park-and-rides allowing commuters to park at the edge of the system. Currently Ion terminates at shopping malls which ticket those parking all day.
- No direct connection to GO Transit and VIA Rail via an intermodal hub. Although plans for the new Kitchener Central Station can been approved.
Notes
- Ion’s Central Station in downtown Kitchener is a short walk to Kitchener Station. There are plans to build a new intermodal transit hub so intercity buses, GO Transit, VIA Rail and GRT all connect under one roof.
All systems operated by
VIA Rail Canada
