More customers than ever before are bee-lining it to Barrie via GO Transit, or stops along its line, according to the latest ridership numbers released this week by Metrolinx.

The transit agency saw ridership on GO Transit and the UP Express jump to 52.5 million from April to November last year. Barrie GO train corridor saw the strongest growth of the entire GO network at 21 per cent, compared to the same time the year before.

The numbers are part of a detailed map Metrolinx has now released, breaking down ridership across the Greater Golden Horseshoe region. Take a look at how your local station compared.

CLICK RIGHT HERE FOR OUR RIDERSHIP MAP

“With our renewed focus to put the customers first, our team is increasing service to help provide new reasons for our customers to travel with us no matter their trip purpose or destination,” said Mark Childs, chief marketing officer for Metrolinx.

Childs said the Barrie line’s ridership growth is due in part to customer satisfaction from increased train service, introduction of the new Downsview Park GO station and the Barrie Kids GO Free pilot implemented last spring.

Childs noted the Barrie Kids GO Free pilot contributed 63,000 incremental boardings.

Ridership on Lakeshore East and West also grew five per cent and three per cent respectively. More midday trips were added to both lines in September.

Meanwhile, travellers and commuters used the UP Express in record numbers. Boardings grew 16 per cent from April to November, compared to the same time the year before.

Childs said a pilot with Uber, along with a new advertising campaign highlighting the 25-minute journey, helped grow UP Express ridership.

“The Uber partnership and pilot has already proven itself in extending the reach to and from our stations, that all important ‘first mile last mile’ destination connectivity,” Childs said.

Since the start of that Uber pilot last fall, UP Express ridership has grown from seven per cent in September 2018 to 15 per cent in November.