For the holidays, Metrolinx is offering customers the gift of time.

Both GO Transit and UP Express are setting their schedules to give travellers holiday options to get to family and events quicker – as well as find a way home when offices close early on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

GO Transit is providing early homebound service on Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Rush hour trains will leave Union Station earlier, plus some train and bus trips will be adjusted or cancelled across the network.

On Christmas Day, GO trains and buses will operate on a Sunday schedule, and Boxing Day will operate on a Saturday schedule.

GO and UP Express will offer FREE service on New Year’s Eve, after 7 p.m. Customers can simply board without tapping their PRESTO card or buying a ticket.

As well, GO will ring in the New Year with additional late-night train service on the Lakeshore West, Lakeshore East, Barrie, Milton, Kitchener, and Stouffville lines. View the schedule here.

Welcome in the new decade on GO Transit with Sunday service on Wednesday, January 1, 2020.

While customers are planning for those holiday days and nights, here are a few reminders to keep in mind:

• Plan ahead for your trip home from the GO parking lot after some holiday festivities — Lyft, a cab or ride from a friend are all good ideas.
• Keep your celebrations polite and your ‘spirits’ bottled up, as drinking alcohol on the train or bus is not allowed.
• If you need assistance, please look out for our Transit Safety Officers or any uniformed staff.

Metrolinx wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season. And to find out more about early homebound holiday service, just click here.