There are changes coming for one of the nation’s busiest commuter transit lines. They’re intended to get customers moving, while keeping them safe. Changes begin on May 25.

Lakeshore customers are going to notice some changes to service next week, including more frequent train trips on Lakeshore East during the morning and afternoon peak periods.

Starting Monday, May 25, GO Transit is reinstating 30-minute service on Lakeshore East, heading into Union Station in the morning, between 5:10 am and 7:40 am.

Additionally, GO is also reintroducing 30-minute Lakeshore East service heading out of Union Station on weekday afternoons, between 3:15 pm and 6:15 p.m

In order to increase service on the Lakeshore East line, and to make better use of resources while ridership is low, many GO trains on the Lakeshore line will have fewer coaches.

The exception being existing rush hour trips, which will remain at 12 coaches, including:

• All trains to and from Hamilton GO Centre.
• The 6:10 a.m. and 7:10 a.m. trips from Oshawa GO to Union Station.
• The 4:43 and 5:43 p.m. trips from Union Station to Oshawa.

“We are closely monitoring our ridership and the number of customers onboard our trains and buses,” said Ian Smith, Metrolinx chief operations officer.

The goal of these changes he said, is to give customers more options and to spread ridership across more services and reduce potential concerns about crowding.

“As the province begins to reopen and we welcome more people back to GO, we have the ability to add coaches and modify trips relatively quickly,” Smith added.

Measures Taken

Metrolinx top priority is the health and safety of staff and customers. Already its implemented more than 40 safety measures, to limit the spread and transmission of COVID-19, including:

• Stepping up deep cleaning at all work locations, stations, trains and buses.
• Installing hand sanitizer dispensers in stations, on buses and workplaces.
• Applying a long acting antimicrobial germ protecting barrier on trains, buses and stations.
• Installing polycarbonate screens to protect the drivers in buses as well as in stations to provide some protection for staff.

Currently, there are no plans change train sizes on the other five GO lines.

As a result of the changes, some trains may depart from different platforms at Union Station. Customers are being told to check the departure boards before heading up to the platforms.

Also, Lakeshore customers are also being encouraged to check out the new schedules, given that some departure times will change by as much as 15 minutes. You can find more information by clicking here.