NEWS RELEASE
ANDREA KHANJIN, BARRIE-INNISFIL MPP
DOUG DOWNEY, BARRIE-SPRINGWATER-ORO-MEDONTE MPP
***************************
GO Transit rail service will return between Union Station and Barrie as Metrolinx prepares for more riders to return to transit this fall.
As additional public spaces and businesses reopen, commuters and travellers will have an additional convenient and safe transit option. This is part of the province’s commitment to connecting more people to more places so they can get where they want to go, when they want to get there.
“Increased GO service is great news for the many people in our community who rely on public transit to get to work and activities daily,” said Andrea Khanjin, MPP for Barrie-Innisfil. “People are increasingly looking to get from Barrie to the GTA and back during the week and on weekends. I am happy to say that we are ready to safely receive more GO train passengers as we resume this important service.”
Starting Sept. 8, GO train service on the Barrie line will return to operate hourly in both directions between Aurora and Union Station all day all week long – with some trips extended to serve more stations along the line during weekday peak periods, weekday late-night and periodically throughout the weekend.
There are also four new trips between Union Station and Bradford GO every Saturday and Sunday. Service for GO bus Routes 63, 65 and 68 will be adjusted and reduced to align with adjusted train schedules.
“By resuming GO train service, we are making it easier for people to use public transit as a safe, convenient and reliable way to get around,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation.
“We listened and understand that people will be making more trips this fall and we are preparing for a busier September. I am also pleased to report that due to service reductions on the Barrie line since March, we have been able to do more track work on the line to better prepare for future service increases and improvements.”
“It’s great news that GO rail service is able to resume in Barrie,” said Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte. “Public transit is a lifeline for many in our community, and this is a critical step as our province continues on the road to recovery.”
GO Transit continues to implement a comprehensive COVID-19 strategy to protect customers and staff.
More than 40 measures are in place to ensure everyone’s health and safety, including:
- Mandatory face coverings for customers and staff
- Deep cleaning and disinfecting on all trains and coaches
- Health checks and screening for crews and other critical staff
- Health kiosks at stations to help educate customers
In addition, GO Transit is monitoring ridership numbers closely to make any adjustments as necessary. Nearly all schedules across the entire GO network will be changing. It’s important customers check schedules for departures times at gotransit.com/servicechanges.
****************************
