From the start, the train station in Niagara Falls had the potential to be something greater.

With the expansion of Toronto's GO Train commuter service to Niagara Falls, Ontario, four years earlier than expected, officials on this side of the border are imagining the possibilities of becoming an international commuter hub. 

“The hope is that someday we can get that train to come to Niagara Falls, New York, which then means you could buy a home in Niagara Falls, New York, and every day commute to a great job in downtown Toronto,” said city councilman Chris Voccio.

Such an expansion would be a game changer, he said.

Both Voccio and Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster agree the immediate impact of the rail service expansion will likely be muted because Americans hoping to catch the morning train wouldn't able to get across the Whirlpool Bridge and to the Canadian Train station until after 7:00am, about two hours after the train has already left for Toronto.

Dyster hopes to expand operating hours on the bridge and allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross.

”Beyond that our hope is that we'll eventually be able to convince Canada Customs to come here the U.S. side of the border to do  pre-clearance on trains traveling into Canada," he said.