Metrolinx leaks news of big GO expansion

In its largest service expansion since 2013, GO Transit will be introducing 308 new weekly rail trips on April 28, according to an update from Metrolinx that was mistakenly published early.

Although the original post from Metrolinx has since been taken down, it has been re-shared on Reddit. A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to the Star that the update is correct and was published early by mistake.

This expansion would mean a 15 per cent increase in the present GO Transit service.

The update said that bus and some rail services will change on April 27, however, most rail service changes will take place on April 28 to “align with the operating crew’s collective bargaining agreement, as a result of such a large weekend service enhancement.”

Service is expected to increase to 15-minute frequencies on weekend afternoons and evenings between Oakville GO and Union Station on the Lakeshore West line and between Durham College Oshawa GO and Union Station on the Lakeshore East line.

The Kitchener line is expecting to see “approximately” 30-minute weekday service in the midday and evenings between Bramalea GO and Union Station. Additionally, some weekend Kitchener line service trips will be increased in length to 10 cars.

Evening train service after 7 p.m. will return throughout the week on the Stouffville line.

The Milton line will see an additional morning rush hour trip to Union Station and an afternoon rush hour trip to Milton GO.

To better align with actual travel times, and new and connecting services, trips on Lakeshore West, Lakeshore East, Milton, Kitchener, Barrie and Stouffville lines will be adjusted to depart up to nine minutes earlier or later.

The transit agency is expected to officially announce the service and scheduling changes soon.