7 things to know about GO Transit changes in York Region

Metrolinx report says GO trains to move away from 'Toronto-centric' commuter focus

Yorkregion.com
April 8, 2022
Kim Zarzour

York Region was updated on what’s ahead for GO transit service at a regional council presentation April 7.

Metrolinx spokespersons Spencer Gibbens and Rajesh Khetarpal said the regional public transit service is transitioning from a Toronto-centric commuter railway system into one with more regional connectivity.

Here are some key takeaways from the report presented to council.

1. Getting commuters in and out of Toronto Union Station remains an important objective, but also GO wants to put to use those trains that sit empty for the remainder of the day.

The focus going forward will be on connecting people between stations, encouraging more “leisure journeys” and enabling commutes in a reverse direction.

“We need to get people to think that the rail system is an alternative to the car,” Gibbens said.

To do that, GO plans to provide 15-minute or shorter frequencies, increased service and reduced journey times, he said.

2. New services will be added on an incremental basis.

“This is not a 10-year program with a big bang at the end, when all of a sudden we’re running frequent trains everywhere,” he said. “We’re going to bring things on as we can.”

Over the coming months, GO will provide more information about what order, and when, these new incremental improvements will be added, he said.

3. The Barrie and Stouffville corridor aren’t able to provide all-day service because there are many single line sections.

GO is constructing double tracks on both lines to allow more frequent runs. Work is also being done on grading and widening the Barrie line, in particular, to allow tracks, signals and electrification to be constructed.

4. An off-peak service has been offered between Union and Aurora, but no further north, because trains aren’t able to pass.

Construction is to start soon to create a passing track and the ability to provide an hourly service -- and eventually, 15-minute, two-way, all-day electrified service to Bradford.

5. Stations across the GO network are being refreshed and updated, made more accessible with tactile edges, better signage and bike rooms.

6. Any new stations or major work associated with stations will be market-driven, where there is a strong demand in a particular location.

7. GO is working within Metrolinx to improve safety at level crossings.

That includes barriers to stop people trespassing on the railway, painted areas on crossing, LED lightening and other ways to increase driver visibility.