GO Transit

[5242]

4 hours ago, New Flyer said:

That’s great to hear, thanks for the update. Any news on 558 559 or 562? 

Those are all still MIA.

[Highway of Heroes]

GO Transit: 601 6 Cars Long on the Lakeshore West Line heading towards Niagara Falls GO Station right now and it’s packed… SMH

[Doppelkupplung]

6 hours ago, Highway of Heroes said:

GO Transit: 601 6 Cars Long on the Lakeshore West Line heading towards Niagara Falls GO Station right now and it’s packed… SMH

That express service is really awesome; I wish they ran more of those runs. Maybe not all the way to Niagara, but I feel like its a great service for people who live further west and want to get in/out of dt faster. 

[GTAmissions1]

11 hours ago, Highway of Heroes said:

GO Transit: 601 6 Cars Long on the Lakeshore West Line heading towards Niagara Falls GO Station right now and it’s packed… SMH

Just read about it and off-season, they reduce the train to six cars. Of course, it could also possibly be due to a shortage of equipment since sometimes a 10 or 12 car set may be unavailable or reserved for specific runs along Lakeshore West and East lines running 15 minute frequency during the weekend afternoons.

Feeling like resources are being stretched pretty thin due to no new hiring planned until the new contractor takes over January 1, 2025. Making it a challenge to try and cover scheduled trips with existing resources with the current contract with Alstom ending this year.

[Articulated]

Train length has nothing to do with crew. All trains, whether they are 4, 6, 10, or 12 cars have the same crew requirements: one engineer and one conductor up in the engine/cab, and one CSR in the accessible coach controlling the doors.

I haven't looked at the most recent schedules, but it wouldn't surprise me if the Niagara trains interlined to/from the branch lines during the off-season in order to save equipment, which would explain why it ended up with a 6-car consist today. Even during the on-season, the midday Niagara train on weekdays interlines to/from other lines at Union.

[Orion V]

1 hour ago, Articulated said:

Train length has nothing to do with crew. All trains, whether they are 4, 6, 10, or 12 cars have the same crew requirements: one engineer and one conductor up in the engine/cab, and one CSR in the accessible coach controlling the doors.

I haven't looked at the most recent schedules, but it wouldn't surprise me if the Niagara trains interlined to/from the branch lines during the off-season in order to save equipment, which would explain why it ended up with a 6-car consist today. Even during the on-season, the midday Niagara train on weekdays interlines to/from other lines at Union.

The Milton Line IIRC has only a 2 person crew instead of 3 since it's on CPR trackage.

[KawarthaTransiteer]

GO 1961 and 1970 (the morning/early afternoon Niagara trains) used a 12 car consist today.

[GTAmissions1]

Effective November 3rd, some train departures may be departing up to two minutes earlier or later to reflect actual travel times. 

Effective November 4th, Milton Line will have an additional peak period trip added in each direction. 

• Morning: Departure at 8:15 AM from Milton Go making all stops to Union arriving at 9:18 AM
• Afternoon: Departure at 4:40 PM from Union Station making all stops to Milton Go arriving at 5:40 PM 

[FutureHeartsJunkie]

With the Tayor Swift concert taking place in Toronto in the next couple of weeks (although I won't be going but found out that it's an economic driver for the city), I curious to know if GO will eventually offer some form of extra service to/from the concert festivites...?

[Mark Walton]

14 minutes ago, FutureHeartsJunkie said:

With the Tayor Swift concert taking place in Toronto in the next couple of weeks (although I won't be going but found out that it's an economic driver for the city), I curious to know if GO will eventually offer some form of extra service to/from the concert festivites...?

Whatever they decide on, I hope it's nothing like the one described in the second paragraph of this post.

 

[Articulated]

1 hour ago, FutureHeartsJunkie said:

With the Tayor Swift concert taking place in Toronto in the next couple of weeks (although I won't be going but found out that it's an economic driver for the city), I curious to know if GO will eventually offer some form of extra service to/from the concert festivites...?

GO is notorious for being slow/late in releasing extra service bulletins. They will often release major service changes (like ones in September) as close as 1 week before they take effect.

Stuff like extra trains for concerts/events would be scheduled on an overtime basis since it's not regularly scheduled service, so I would also hazard to guess that GO doesn't want to announce anything until they're certain they have enough staff committed to be able to operate the extra service.

[Articulated]

On 10/31/2024 at 6:10 PM, FutureHeartsJunkie said:

With the Tayor Swift concert taking place in Toronto in the next couple of weeks (although I won't be going but found out that it's an economic driver for the city), I curious to know if GO will eventually offer some form of extra service to/from the concert festivites...?

To update, GO has now released the service changes for the six days/nights that Taylor Swift concerts will be held at Rogers Centre.

Press releases indicate that there will be 3 extra inbound Lakeshore West trains from Oakville, and 2 extra inbound Lakeshore East trains from DC Oshawa GO. Last trains on all lines (along with an extra Milton train) will be delayed until roughly midnight to accommodate concert attendees to get home. GO's bulletin also indicates there will be "modified" service on bus routes due to the expected heavy volume of traffic downtown; it's not specified what this means.

More details: https://www.gotransit.com/en/partners-and-promotions/event-concert-era-with-go

[Highway of Heroes]

GO Train: 617 looks to be wrap

[GTAmissions1]

6 hours ago, Articulated said:

To update, GO has now released the service changes for the six days/nights that Taylor Swift concerts will be held at Rogers Centre.

Press releases indicate that there will be 3 extra inbound Lakeshore West trains from Oakville, and 2 extra inbound Lakeshore East trains from DC Oshawa GO. Last trains on all lines (along with an extra Milton train) will be delayed until roughly midnight to accommodate concert attendees to get home. GO's bulletin also indicates there will be "modified" service on bus routes due to the expected heavy volume of traffic downtown; it's not specified what this means.

More details: https://www.gotransit.com/en/partners-and-promotions/event-concert-era-with-go

Looking at the bus changes, I know that Route 65 will not enter Union Station Bus Terminal during the PM peak period on weekdays and only the final departure of the night will service downtown Toronto. Morning trips are unchanged and will still service Union Station Bus Terminal. 

Most service to downtown Toronto on the Barrie line will be provided by trains operating hourly from Aurora or 3 hours from Allandale Waterfront Go Station with select trips operating with 10 cars. 

PM peak period 65S will be operating to Highway 407 Station instead of 65 to Union Station.

Route 16 Hamilton select departures eastbound will not operate eastbound between 5 PM to midnight and westbound service will be suspended from Union Station Bus Terminal. Instead, they will be reallocated to Route 18 to provide connections from Lakeshore West. 

Weekends, Route 16 will not operate most regularly scheduled trips in the afternoon and evening. 

Some routes will have a few trips suspended on weekday afternoon and evening noted below to provide additional service elsewhere:

• Route 19: Mississauga/North York 
• Route 25: Waterloo/Mississauga
• Route 31: Kitchener 
• Route 41: Hamilton/Pickering 

Especially since there is a bus shortage that is impacting availability alongside operators. Needing to take from existing routes that have alternative options available or with higher frequency to fill in gaps elsewhere. 

[Shaun]

17 hours ago, GTAmissions1 said:

Looking at the bus changes, I know that Route 65 will not enter Union Station Bus Terminal during the PM peak period on weekdays and only the final departure of the night will service downtown Toronto. Morning trips are unchanged and will still service Union Station Bus Terminal. 

Most service to downtown Toronto on the Barrie line will be provided by trains operating hourly from Aurora or 3 hours from Allandale Waterfront Go Station with select trips operating with 10 cars. 

PM peak period 65S will be operating to Highway 407 Station instead of 65 to Union Station.

Route 16 Hamilton select departures eastbound will not operate eastbound between 5 PM to midnight and westbound service will be suspended from Union Station Bus Terminal. Instead, they will be reallocated to Route 18 to provide connections from Lakeshore West. 

Weekends, Route 16 will not operate most regularly scheduled trips in the afternoon and evening. 

Some routes will have a few trips suspended on weekday afternoon and evening noted below to provide additional service elsewhere:

• Route 19: Mississauga/North York 
• Route 25: Waterloo/Mississauga
• Route 31: Kitchener 
• Route 41: Hamilton/Pickering 

Especially since there is a bus shortage that is impacting availability alongside operators. Needing to take from existing routes that have alternative options available or with higher frequency to fill in gaps elsewhere. 

The bus shortage is not going to be resolved anytime soon considering that the procurement of new buses are a year out. 

[GTAmissions1]

Lakeshore West will not operate between Oakville Go Station and Union Station from late evening of November 29th (Friday) until the end of the service day on December 1st.

Regular service resuming on December 2nd.

Late evening November 29th:

Eastbound

• 11:05 PM train departure will depart at 10:57 PM from Aldershot Go Station (8 minutes earlier)
• 11:25 PM train departure from West Harbour Go Station will terminate at Oakville Go Station requiring a bus connection 18H to continue to Union Station Bus Terminal with a 9 minutes to make the connecting bus

Westbound

• The final three train departures from Union Station at 11:47 PM, 12:17 AM and 12:47 AM will be rejigged to start at Oakville Go Station
• Replacement buses will cover the impacted trips 

The three branches will operate below:

• 18R: Union Station Bus Terminal to Oakville Go Station 
• 18T: Union Station Bus Terminal to Clarkson Go Station
• 18W: Union Station Bus Terminal to Port Credit Go Station 

November 30th and December 1st (all day)

Niagara Falls trips are impacted noted below

• 12:04 PM departure from Niagara Falls Go Station will instead depart 4 minutes later at 12:08 PM
• 8:17 PM departure will operate only on Saturday and Sunday 
• Saturday 9:06 PM departure will be cancelled 

18L will only service Union Station, Clarkson and Oakville Go Stations to connect with train. 

Port Credit, Long Branch, Mimico and Exhibition passengers will have to utilize local transit options.

[Lex Reid]

On 5/6/2024 at 6:45 PM, Highway of Heroes said:

Any ideas on why GO Transit Electric Bus 4000 & 4001 hasn't been out in service for over 1-4 months? 

To update this they’ve had numerous issues with battery performance. I don’t expect them to return to any revenue service. 

[Kelvin3157]

Since there’s no dedicated Metrolinx thread…

Phil Verster is resigning as Metrolinx CEO, sources say

https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/metrolinx-ceo-phil-verster-resigning-after-seven-years-sources/article_1f47631a-b0cf-11ef-9580-7bdb283274d5.html

Ontario government named Michael Lindsay as the new interim-President and Chief Executive Officer of Metrolinx, effective as early as December 16, 2024.

 

[FlyerD901]

Phil Verster steping down as Metrolinx CEO

Apparently accepted a new position. 

Last day December 16

[GTAmissions1]

Considering the massive pay package he was receiving, I won't deny that he wanted to leave despite a contract renewal last year for three additional years. 

24 minutes ago, Kelvin3157 said:

Since there’s no dedicated Metrolinx thread…

Phil Verster is resigning as Metrolinx CEO, sources say

https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/metrolinx-ceo-phil-verster-resigning-after-seven-years-sources/article_1f47631a-b0cf-11ef-9580-7bdb283274d5.html

Ontario government named Michael Lindsay as the new interim-President and Chief Executive Officer of Metrolinx, effective as early as December 16, 2024.

Here is an alternative link:

https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/metrolinx-ceo-phil-verster-tenders-resignation-after-7-years-1.7130558

[KawarthaTransiteer]

Service on route 88 past the Newcastle Carpool Lot to Peterborough is currently suspended. It'll be interesting to see how they'll try to accommodate everyone once service is reinstated. However since snow is forecasted until tomorrow morning, I doubt it will be a pleasant experience or will be reinstated in a timely fashion.

Quote

Update - Bus service temporarily suspended – Route 88

Due to severe weather conditions in your area the police have shut down Hwy 115 and other roads. Buses to and from Trent University and Peterborough Bus Terminal are suspended.

At this time buses will run between Oshawa GO station and Hwy 2/Hwy 115 Park & Ride in Newcastle. We take your safety seriously and again appreciate your understanding. We will provide you an update as soon as we can resume service. 

Edit: Service was reinstated at 4 PM.

Edited December 5 by KawarthaTransiteer

[Shaun]

2 hours ago, KawarthaTransiteer said:

Service on route 88 past the Newcastle Carpool Lot to Peterborough is currently suspended. It'll be interesting to see how they'll try to accommodate everyone once service is reinstated. However since snow is forecasted until tomorrow morning, I doubt it will be a pleasant experience or will be reinstated in a timely fashion.

That route is prone to white outs. I have personally expected it. 

[GTAmissions1]

Due to construction and track work along the Stouffville Line, final departures will be adjusted on Friday December 6th and December 13th.

No weekend train service to operate on December 7th and 8th alongside December 14th and 15th. Two consecutive weekends in a row. 

Friday ONLY:

• The final train departure will be 10:12 PM will be extended from Mount Joy Go Station to service Stouffville and Old Elm Go Stations
• Passengers on the 10:12 PM train can connect to the 70D if looking to head to Uxbridge
• Final train trip at 12:12 AM replaced by 71C operating express from Union Station to Unionville Go Station, then service from Unionville to Old Elm Go Station 
• Connection for the 1:32 AM from Old Elm Go Station will HOLD for connection from passengers coming from 71C from Union Station Bus Terminal 

Weekend bus replacement: 

• 71C will operate from Union Station with stops between Unionville Go Station and Old Elm Go Station 
• 71E will operate from Union Station with stops between Unionville Go Station and Mount Joy Go Station 

Due to the Santa Claus Parade in Stouffville on December 7th, there will be no service at Stouffville Go Station along with other adjacent stops. Instead passengers are advised to connect at either Mount Joy Go Station (71C/71E) or Old Elm Go Station (71C).

Agincourt Go Station will be closed on December 8th with no access to the parking lot, tunnels, station building or pathways due to a film project related to the Metrolinx Safety Campaign. 

Lakeshore West trains will also be operating hourly for the next three weekends between Union and West Harbour Go Station. 

• December 7th and 8th
• December 14th and 15th
• December 21st and 22nd

Westbound train departures (Saturday)

• First train from Union Station to West Harbour Go Station will depart at 8:44 AM operating hourly all day 
• Train departures from Exhibition at 8:52 AM to 12:53 AM the next day will depart a minute earlier  
• 6:21 PM departure from Union towards Niagara Falls will depart 7 minutes earlier 

Eastbound train departures (Saturday)

• First train from West Harbour Go Station will depart at 7:23 AM operating hourly all day 
• 4:04 PM departure from Niagara Falls will depart 8 minutes earlier 
• 9:06 PM departure from Niagara Falls will depart six minutes earlier (December 7th and 14th only)

Westbound train departures (Sunday)

• First train from Union Station to West Harbour Go Station will depart at 8:44 AM operating hourly all day
• Train departures from Exhibition at 8:52 AM to 11:53 PM will depart a minute later 
• 5:14 PM departure from Exhibition towards West Harbour Go Station will depart a minute later

Eastbound train departures (Sunday)

• First train from West Harbour Go Station will depart at 7:23 AM operating hourly all day 
• 4:04 PM train departure from Niagara Falls will depart 8 minutes earlier 
• 12:04 PM departure from Niagara Falls will depart two minutes earlier (December 22nd only)

During the weekend construction at Exhibition during the periods of hourly train service along Lakeshore West line, the north platform will close at 12:45 AM on Saturday morning reopening at approximately 5 AM Monday morning before the AM peak period.

Train boardings for both westbound and eastbound will be on the south platform during the impacted weekends. 

Final comments:

Planned construction disruptions along rail corridors will resume in March 2025. Construction notices are posted several months in-advance, though timelines can change.

[FutureHeartsJunkie]

Surprised that nobody hasn't posted this, but the other day - I was at the Ajax GO Station and I heard in the station announcements that "fare validation" is taking place as of December 9th, 2024 at all GO Train stations throughout the network.

This means that station ambassadors will be roaming around the platform and will ensure that all passengers must present their valid fare at the time. For those who don't have a method of payment handy, the station ambassadors will be able to assist you on paying your fare on-site.

Final Takeaways: While this may be inconvenient to some who are accustomed to the experience, GO wanted to ensure that all the passengers have paid their fare and the rules are followed.

[TRENT_TRANSIT_SYSTEM]

13 hours ago, FutureHeartsJunkie said:

Surprised that nobody hasn't posted this, but the other day - I was at the Ajax GO Station and I heard in the station announcements that "fare validation" is taking place as of December 9th, 2024 at all GO Train stations throughout the network.

This means that station ambassadors will be roaming around the platform and will ensure that all passengers must present their valid fare at the time. For those who don't have a method of payment handy, the station ambassadors will be able to assist you on paying your fare on-site.

Final Takeaways: While this may be inconvenient to some who are accustomed to the experience, GO wanted to ensure that all the passengers have paid their fare and the rules are followed.

install fare gates...