GO Transit

[nfitz]

7 hours ago, T3G said:

Apparently, the TTC doesn't show rerouted routes on their destination signs because they're afraid passengers will think it's a short turn and wait for the next bus to the correct destination which will never come.

The detour-on-route sign has been used for years on the buses. The streetcars tell you every stop that "this is an off-route vehicle". Scheduled short-turns are signed when leaving the terminal (even if the short-turn location is only a handful of stops from the terminus). Normally, as soon as a TTC vehicle leaves it's scheduled route, there is an announcement, and at least an attempt at an explantion.

Where have you seen TTC not showing rerouted routes?

[T3G]

As noted, this was what happened when the Exhibition loop was closed. CLRVs and Flexitys both continued dutifully showing that they were going to Exhibition. When I inquired on here as to why the streetcars didn't indicate that they were short turning at the Fleet loop (there is an exposure for it on even the CLRV signs, Lake Shore & Bathurst), that was the reasoning I was given for it. I had forgotten all about this absurd convention since then as I haven't chased down many vehicles on diversion in the years subsequent, but the lack of information GO provided just reminded me all over again. I can only assume they had a similar reason for doing so, even if it appears the TTC's signage seems to have gotten better of late.

[Shaun]

13 hours ago, GTAmissions1 said:

Go Transit detours buses IF there are problems accessing Union Station Bus Terminal. Route 21 and 31 were detoured to Port Credit Go Station to connect with the Lakeshore West trains connecting to Union Station. Today, tomorrow and possibly Labour Day. 

Route 16 Hamilton Express terminates at Aldershot Go. It was previously Port Credit Go, but I guess it was more efficient to pretty much turn it into an 18 which provides similar service between Hamilton Go and Aldershot Go Station.

Usually, if the bus is on detour, the operator would ask where you are going or make an announcement. I know the last time when I took a similar detour (68D re-routed to Highway 407 Terminal), the operator would ask every single passenger if they wanted Union, they would have to transfer to the subway when the bus terminates at 407 Terminal. Showing Go Transit e-ticket or a Presto card to continue on TTC via Line 1. This is along with making another announcement closer to the terminus.

Go Transit also cancelled train trips on Barrie and Stouvfille which most people may not read the departure sign, check online or subscribe to service alerts via text message. Especially if it shows from Union to the terminus station or vice versa, someone may not be aware that train isn't coming. 

I can understand your frustrations especially with how it can be difficult to plan around some detours. 

This crew shortage is a huge problem. 

[Doppelkupplung]

18 hours ago, T3G said:

As an aside, the SuperLo double deckers are probably the worst transit vehicle I have ever ridden. The soundproofing in the interior is virtually non existent (a plane is quieter), there is zero padding in the flip up seats for wheelchairs, and every bump is absolutely BONE SHATTERING. I'm old enough to remember the Fishbowls, and at their very worst were never as bad as the double deckers. And those were 30 year old buses; what excuse do these much newer things have?

Yeah, downstairs its actually really bad; I'm surprised more people don't complain about it. Its like the sound is coming through the walls. Back when I was a regular on the 19/C, I would notice my regular op wearing earplugs whenever he had a SuperLo. I'm pretty sure its due to resonance, which could be amplified by the big (normally) empty luggage space between the cabin and motor (nothing to dampen the sound vibrations). I reserve the right to be wrong though lol. Also don't forget, the SuperLos ride on superLo (ha) profile tires. I think my dad's old Acura has more sidewall than a superLo. 

Up top, its much more comfortable. However, all this is relative, because on a comfort scale, they are several pegs down from an MCI. 

This is not to ignore with the rest of what you wrote. As I mentioned earlier, the very reality that the buses can't make it to USBT due to heavy car traffic is absurd. Given the obvious set of priorities that governments have here re. public transport vs. private cars, it comes as no surprise to me that there would be horrible detour communication. 

[nfitz]

7 hours ago, T3G said:

As noted, this was what happened when the Exhibition loop was closed. CLRVs and Flexitys both continued dutifully showing that they were going to Exhibition. 

That's not rerouted though ... the route stopped 2-3 stops early, within walking distance. And more the exception than the rule.
 

[Shaun]

1 hour ago, Doppelkupplung said:

Yeah, downstairs its actually really bad; I'm surprised more people don't complain about it. Its like the sound is coming through the walls. Back when I was a regular on the 19/C, I would notice my regular op wearing earplugs whenever he had a SuperLo. I'm pretty sure its due to resonance, which could be amplified by the big (normally) empty luggage space between the cabin and motor (nothing to dampen the sound vibrations). I reserve the right to be wrong though lol. Also don't forget, the SuperLos ride on superLo (ha) profile tires. I think my dad's old Acura has more sidewall than a superLo. 

Up top, its much more comfortable. However, all this is relative, because on a comfort scale, they are several pegs down from an MCI. 

This is not to ignore with the rest of what you wrote. As I mentioned earlier, the very reality that the buses can't make it to USBT due to heavy car traffic is absurd. Given the obvious set of priorities that governments have here re. public transport vs. private cars, it comes as no surprise to me that there would be horrible detour communication. 

I think the baggage area is carpeted, which should make it better. Since the luggage compartment is hardly ever used it would make sense to have additional seating to the back like they do in Ottawa and have one luggage rack on the lower floor. I dont know if the airport bus ever uses the luggage compartment but I have personally never seen it being used.

[T3G]

1 hour ago, nfitz said:

That's not rerouted though ... the route stopped 2-3 stops early, within walking distance. And more the exception than the rule.
 

It may have been within walking distance, but that didn't stop the TTC from running shuttle buses (as they ought to have done).

https://cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php/Toronto_Transit_Commission_route_509_'Harbourfront'

I wager most people who see that their vehicle is going to Exhibition expect it to actually take them all the way to Exhibition. Any number of things can go wrong with this approach (even more so on the Flexity where the driver is not readily accessible to the public); person who didn't read an online notice, faulty PA system, garbled announcement, and you get out at Fleet loop at 9 pm and wonder where exactly you are and how to get to your destination of choice. There's not a lot that could be done with the CLRVs but I gave a handy example above how it could be handled on all vehicles with digital destination signs.

I'm not sure it's that uncommon, either. When the 501 was shut down west of Sunnyside in 2017-18, every single streetcar I photographed continued displaying 501 Long Branch. What do the shortened 501s running to Dufferin say now? If it's Dufferin, that would be shocking.

As for the distinction between rerouted and short turned, that's splitting hairs. "Port Credit GO / (Train symbol) -> Union Station" would have been infinitely clearer and more helpful.

[Orion V]

For the GO weekend pass, if I were to go to Hamilton, does it matter if I pick Hamilton GO Stn or West Harbour GO Stn for the destination?
If I intend to take one trip on GO 16 bus then one trip on GO Lakeshore West train.

[Chris W]

23 minutes ago, Orion V said:

For the GO weekend pass, if I were to go to Hamilton, does it matter if I pick Hamilton GO Stn or West Harbour GO Stn for the destination?
If I intend to take one trip on GO 16 bus then one trip on GO Lakeshore West train.

I believe you can use both stations as they're in the same zone, per my understanding.

[GTAmissions1]

37 minutes ago, Chris W said:

I believe you can use both stations as they're in the same zone, per my understanding.

Correct. Double checking the Lakeshore West schedule and Hamilton Go and West Harbour Go are indeed classified under the same fare zone. 

[TRENT_TRANSIT_SYSTEM]

On 7/10/2022 at 6:19 PM, Doppelkupplung said:

I'm pretty sure the ISM powered 2400s are almost all gone. Never see them around anymore, save for the odd unit and the Vaxbuses. TOK has a few now, and I'm sure others have found second lives. That leaves about 167ish MCIs in the fleet. 

I'm curious to see if they'll order more MCIs. I know they will always need some, but I feel like the SuperLos will really cap the MCIs to limited quantities. 

2400 MCIs are running here in Hamilton, and I was told a lot of them are being phased back into rotation now, hence why I havent been able to buy any yet. None of hit any auctions this year.

 

Anyone know how to insure a 45ft MCI for personal use? I am buying one next week but dont want to pay for a commercial policy before I put the bus into revenue service.

[TC60102N]

8 hours ago, TRENT_TRANSIT_SYSTEM said:

Angone know how to insure a 45ft MCI for personal use? I am buying one next week but dont want to pay for a commercial policy before I put the bus into revenue service.

I have mine attached to my automobile policy, the insurance company was actually pretty good about adding it on for personal use.

 

I'm just now allowed to carry more than 12 people or collect a fare.

[Doppelkupplung]

Actually I have a semi-relevant question- could you technically drive an MCI with a DZ, provided that you had no passengers? Or is it automatically a mandatory B/CZ? 

9 hours ago, TRENT_TRANSIT_SYSTEM said:

2400 MCIs are running here in Hamilton, and I was told a lot of them are being phased back into rotation now, hence why I havent been able to buy any yet. None of hit any auctions this year.

I was referring to the ISM 2400s. The S60s and X15 2400s still look to be going strong, but I haven't seen anything sub-2450 for over a year now, save for the vaxxbuses like I mentioned. I've even seen videos of people doing RV conversions on them, so I'm almost certain that they're gone. 

I'd love to be proven wrong though, they're my favorite MCIs by a country mile.  

[Joshuamumble]

9 hours ago, Doppelkupplung said:

Actually I have a semi-relevant question- could you technically drive an MCI with a DZ, provided that you had no passengers? Or is it automatically a mandatory B/CZ? 

I was referring to the ISM 2400s. The S60s and X15 2400s still look to be going strong, but I haven't seen anything sub-2450 for over a year now, save for the vaxxbuses like I mentioned. I've even seen videos of people doing RV conversions on them, so I'm almost certain that they're gone. 

I'd love to be proven wrong though, they're my favorite MCIs by a country mile.  

2432 is still in active service, I tracked it on the 19 just now (only ISM unit left in service)

[Shaun]

11 hours ago, Doppelkupplung said:

Actually I have a semi-relevant question- could you technically drive an MCI with a DZ, provided that you had no passengers? Or is it automatically a mandatory B/CZ? 

I was referring to the ISM 2400s. The S60s and X15 2400s still look to be going strong, but I haven't seen anything sub-2450 for over a year now, save for the vaxxbuses like I mentioned. I've even seen videos of people doing RV conversions on them, so I'm almost certain that they're gone. 

I'd love to be proven wrong though, they're my favorite MCIs by a country mile.  

On the other hand, a DZ license is required to drive a motor vehicle with usually weighs over 11,000 kg (24,000lbs), or a combination of a vehicle with the same weight towing a trailer which is less than 4,600 kg (10,000lbs). As soon as the weight of the towing vehicle increasing more than 4,600 kg, the driver needs to have a full Class or restricted Class A license.

It doesn't say anything about passengers. 

 

[brianc1981]

According to a CSA I was talking to this morning GO is hopeful that by thanksgiving weekend they can proceed with service changes to the trains. He said LSE/LSW will be running 15 minute frequency until evening. LSW will be modified heavily for the next year or so in the evening times due to port credit construction so he said that the plan is 30 minutes until 10 then probably hourly after but LSE will maintain 30 minute frequency from 9 or so. Prior to 9 it should be 15-20 minute service after rush hour. He also said that weekends would be a little different. 30 minute service is planned from west harbour to Oshawa. But there would be trains every 30 minutes from Pickering to Oakville. So combined 15 minutes between Pickering and Oakville. I assume for events during weekends. 
The CSA also told me that there is supposed to be more service on the Kitchener line on weekends. Apparently hourly service Saturday and Sunday. As well as trains going to Kitchener every 2-3 hours. Also additional service to Kitchener Monday to Friday. These changes were all supposed to take place in September 2020 and were postponed then rescheduled for spring of this year but was postponed due to staffing issues. There are more changes that are scheduled but won’t take effect until either January or spring sometime. 
He was quite hopeful that these adjustments could happen next month as they don’t expect there to be as many gaps in service due to a lack of staff. Plus it sounds like to me having shorter trains or gap trains on weekends on lakeshore would make it easier if a train needs to be cancelled. 

[TRENT_TRANSIT_SYSTEM]

On 9/8/2022 at 8:11 AM, TC60102N said:

I have mine attached to my automobile policy, the insurance company was actually pretty good about adding it on for personal use.

 

I'm just now allowed to carry more than 12 people or collect a fare.

whose your provider?

[GTAmissions1]

Go Transit is starting to get tough on fare evasion after the pandemic reduced their revenues. The new fare evasion table takes effect on October 10th.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/go-fare-evasion-fines-1.6575180

The current fine for not paying the fare or having correct fare media is $100. Under the new table, this is how it will work:

• First time offence is $35
• Second offence is $50
• Third offence is $100
• Fourth offence or more is $200 along with a provincial summons to court

Having a court summons means they would have to attend court regarding the fare evasion charge.

[newflyerinvero]

10 hours ago, GTAmissions1 said:

Go Transit is starting to get tough on fare evasion after the pandemic reduced their revenues. The new fare evasion table takes effect on October 10th.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/go-fare-evasion-fines-1.6575180

The current fine for not paying the fare or having correct fare media is $100. Under the new table, this is how it will work:

• First time offence is $35
• Second offence is $50
• Third offence is $100
• Fourth offence or more is $200 along with a provincial summons to court

Having a court summons means they would have to attend court regarding the fare evasion charge.

In my opinion, that will be fare enforcercement officers on board every train? Personally i think that this can and will seek out every possible evader as long as there are officers.Like with any law or policy, there'll always be some will evade or break those laws.

[map.man (Darrin)]

19 minutes ago, newflyerinvero said:

In my opinion, that will be fare enforcercement officers on board every train? Personally i think that this can and will seek out every possible evader as long as there are officers.Like with any law or policy, there'll always be some will evade or break those laws.

Generally, here in Buffalo, our provider has roving checkers and the transit police that check passengers' tickets on a random basis.  Many times, in stations, you may see a ticket inspector on a train, platform, or stationed near the exits to check for valid tickets.

I'm betting the mere fact that they're seen and *may* be on your car is a deterrent for fare evaders.

[GTAmissions1]

3 hours ago, newflyerinvero said:

In my opinion, that will be fare enforcercement officers on board every train? Personally i think that this can and will seek out every possible evader as long as there are officers.Like with any law or policy, there'll always be some will evade or break those laws.

They only inspect around 3 to 5 percent of train trips. From what I have noticed, they only focus on the areas with higher ridership which of course, Lakeshore West and East have higher volumes so they are inspected more frequently because of their span of service hours. Versus Richmond Hill line which only operates during peak periods with a lower amount of volume, so the likelihood of seeing revenue protection officers is lower. 

I think the deterrent that if a fare evader's name appears within the database I think within the past two years, the fine for not providing proof of payment increases. It may have changed, but that is what I have heard from a revenue protection officer years ago.

[GTAmissions1]

Schedule changes effective October 1st regarding terminal relocations noted below:

Routes 41, 92, 94 and 96: Relocated to Borough Drive west of Scarborough Town Centre due to the planned closure of the station. Until the new Scarborough subway extension is built with a new station to accommodate. 

Route 52 and 56: Loop into Cornell Transit Terminal with no change to current schedules. Providing connections to YRT and Viva. 

My guess is that Go Transit will utilize Platform 6 and 7 at Cornell Transit Terminal since those are vacant. 

[FutureHeartsJunkie]

10 hours ago, GTAmissions1 said:

Schedule changes effective October 1st regarding terminal relocations noted below:

Routes 41, 92, 94 and 96: Relocated to Borough Drive west of Scarborough Town Centre due to the planned closure of the station. Until the new Scarborough subway extension is built with a new station to accommodate. 

Route 52 and 56: Loop into Cornell Transit Terminal with no change to current schedules. Providing connections to YRT and Viva. 

My guess is that Go Transit will utilize Platform 6 and 7 at Cornell Transit Terminal since those are vacant. 

In other transit-related news, the Lakeshore East and Stouffville GO Train Lines will be closed this weekend (from the evening of September 23, 2022 to the end of service on Sunday, September 25, 2022) and shuttle buses will run at certain GO Train stations along the the line.

Sadly, the shuttle buses won't stop at the GO Stations where the TTC is readily available.

I remembered the time when GO had "outsourced" the train shuttles to a private company (Coach Canada, anyone?) during the closure last year (November 2021).

[blue.bird.fan]

How do the GO Transit bus garages work?

Unlike local transit agencies, it doesn't seem like each route is assigned to a specific garage. Are they assigned more like the TTC streetcars as one division?

[smallspy]

7 hours ago, blue.bird.fan said:

How do the GO Transit bus garages work?

Unlike local transit agencies, it doesn't seem like each route is assigned to a specific garage. Are they assigned more like the TTC streetcars as one division?

Streetcars are not assigned as one division. Routes can be split between two barns, but there are pretty specific route allocations for each barn.

 

GO routes are assigned trip-by-trip, rather than a whole route. And each block of work assigned to a driver can include trips on multiple routes.

 

Dan