Metrolinx, and transit riders, have come a long way since the start of the pandemic. Think of this chronological COVID-19 feature, of more than a year’s worth of content, as a storehouse of our many safety advances and updates, as GO Transit and UP Express get ready for the return – now soon – of those customers who have been away. But there are a lot of updates and stories listed below, so before you scroll down, it’s important you know how many measures have been put in place to make that return – or continuing journeys for some users who have stayed onboard for essential traveling – safe and secure. Because soon enough, everyone will be ready to ride again.

• You can find the new temporary GO train times by clicking here.
• To find your GO bus schedule, 
  click here.

(Oct. 6, 2021 editor’s update – We’ve moved away from this piece as a way to keep customers and communities up to date on continuing COVID-19 measures. While stories are constantly being published on Metrolinx safety measures to deal with the pandemic, you can find those with other stories on Metrolinx News. For COVID-19 specific stories, you can use this link.)

FOR THE LATEST GO TRANSIT SAFETY MEASURES

And while we have some great information below, here’s an even quicker check-list of some of the many thing GO Transit is doing to make trips go better during very unusual times.

A CUSTOMER’S STORY

But beyond that, to start your journey, even before you get into our story list, you might like to hear about a journey Barbara Cochrane took on GO Transit during the pandemic. It was her first ride, and the retired nurse was nervous.

Read her words here, and learn why her trip should give assurance to those making plans to return.

June 10, 2021 – (Anne Marie Aikins, head of Metrolinx’s Media Relations team, writes about a recent COVID vaccine clinic held for staff and the public.)

It had a dose of everything.

Even blessing from a group of travelling monks.With GO trains stopping every few minutes in the background, the location was perfect for Metrolinx to host its first COVID-19 vaccination clinic this week. At Guildwood GO Station in Scarborough, nearly 200 shots were put in the arms of eager transit staff, contractors, customers and members of the general public – including a group of Buddhist monks, visitors from Prince Edward Island for the past year helping with recovery efforts.

The vaccination clinic organized with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Canadian Red Cross – who committed to another clinic in the future for second doses – gave Metrolinx staff a much-needed shot of hope that better days are ahead.

In spite of the sweltering temps and some rain, there was a celebratory atmosphere at the clinic with music and even an appearance by GO Transit mascot GO Bear – who stepped out of his pandemic hibernation for the party and cheered on every person who got a shot.

There was even an ice cream truck.

A variety of frontline and office Metrolinx staff volunteered to assist on site to help manage the lineup, hand out water and check on people post-vaccination.

I have volunteered at other vaccine clinics in the city – it’s an easy way to give back to our incredible healthcare workers and makes me feel good. It also helped keep me busy on weekends during lockdown and most importantly, it gives me hope seeing all those people willing to take the time to line up to get protected and keep their loved ones safe.

Curious by nature, I always ask people that look approachable how they feel after being vaccinated – note to self, many Buddhist monks apparently take a vow of silence – or why they like to volunteer at clinics. So, I asked a few people at the clinic.

They all had their personal reasons, like eagerness to get back to normal days when hugs with their grandmother or beers with friends wasn’t a safety hazard. I heard very sad stories about losing loved ones to this virus, a tragically consistent theme at every clinic.

A 20-year employee told me he wanted to work at the clinic this week after we all felt the blow of the tragic losses of 215 Indigenous children in B.C. as well as a Muslim family out for a walk in London, Ontario.

He needed to feel a little less powerless.   

One young station colleague with a huge personality took me aback when she told me she wanted to work at the clinic because she lived through a rough case of COVID-19 and really appreciated it when she heard from CEO Phil Verster personally when he checked on her well-being. 

Although she’s feeling well now, contracting the virus was no picnic, she said.

“Getting a call from your CEO, well that made me feel deep down that we really are all in this together – it’s not just a saying,” she explained.

Verster came by the clinic to chat with staff, as well as media who were covering the event.

Reporters asked him why hosting a vaccination clinic was important for Metrolinx.

“Vaccination – for both our customers and staff – is one of the most critically important ways to keep everyone safe and is key to people returning to their normal commute,” Verster said.

With transit ridership plummeting during the pandemic, reporters asked “is he confident riders will come back?”

“As vaccination rates ramp up and more and more people become fully protected,” Verster explained, “I believe customers will feel confident in our commitment to their safety and return to public transit.”

Verster added that the pandemic has no doubt changed how and when people commute and the future is difficult to predict.

“However, there are a number of things we do know for sure – public transit will always be an essential part of urban life and given the expected population growth over the next 30 years, we know we need more transit,” He noted.

“Over the next few years, we must continue to build the confidence in our transit customers, so they return to their trains and buses,” Verster said.

Metrolinx surveyed transit customers and what we heard was that they want to visibly see a commitment to their safety – such as frequent, visible cleaning on vehicles and in stations, mandatory masks, good ventilation, UV cleaners in stations, and those new dividers between vehicle seats.

Along with all of the dozens of safety actions already in place, vaccination is a key part to recovery and protecting staff and customers, Verster reiterated to reporters.

The vaccines along with our diligence to the safety measures for all these months is working. As vaccination rates increase, positive cases decrease right across the province – and at Metrolinx.

In the past 15 months, the total number of Metrolinx staff testing positive for the virus is now 162 out of over 4,500 employees – with two new infections in the past two weeks.

We’d like to boost our rate even higher, so an internal education campaign is underway, and staff are supported as well with three hours paid time off to ensure there are no barriers to getting vaccinated.  

Misinformation can be barrier as well, so we’ve planned a virtual vaccination question and answer session for our staff with Dr. Vinita Dubey, Associate Medical Officer of Health at Toronto Public Health (TPH). The event is booked in the coming days to help inform staff who may have any lingering doubts or questions.

Dubey is a long-time familiar face who has been around since way back in the day when I worked with TPH throughout the H1N1 pandemic. She’s great at distilling complex, medical information into plain language and taught me a lot about communicating during public health emergencies.

Communicating with you, our readers in a transparent way since the pandemic began remains our commitment to you and will continue until COVID-19 is no longer a threat to public safety. 

In the meantime, you know the drill: keep wearing your mask on public transit even if you are fully vaccinated until we receive new guidance from public health – we will keep you closely updated – stay home if ill, wash your hands, and please consider protecting the people you love by getting vaccinated. 

May 28, 2021 – Vaccination rates are increasing – to date more than 8.5 million shots have been administered in Ontario – and virus levels are decreasing in both Ontario and at Metrolinx.

Since May 13, Metrolinx has had seven additional staff across a variety of work locations – some working from home – test positive for COVID-19. None appear to be as a result of workplace transmissions.

The total number of Metrolinx staff testing positive is now 160 out of more than 4,500 employees – approximately 3 per cent of the workforce. Of the total number of Metrolinx staff who tested positive since March 2020, more than 90 per cent contracted the virus outside the workplace.

As eligibility opens, many Metrolinx employees, including our senior management team have rolled up their sleeve – some have even gotten their second shot. The Incident Command Team is also hoping to host, along with health officials a first shot, on-site clinic for staff and family, as well as contractors. Stay tuned for more information in coming days.

“Along with all of the dozens of safety actions already in place, vaccination is a key part to recovery,” said Martin Gallagher, Metrolinx Chief Safety Officer.

Gallagher added it is also “critically important that we build the confidence of our customers as they gradually return to public transit.”

Gallagher said while the pandemic controls put in place over the last year have helped keep staff and customers safe, the primary goal of a vaccine program is to immunize most of the population so that COVID-19 can no longer spread.  

To support staff and bolster uptake, an internal education campaign is underway with Metrolinx staff which includes hearing personal stories from leaders and colleagues about their personal reasons for getting vaccinated. Staff are also supported with three hours paid time off to get vaccinated.  

May 7, 2021 – Transportation workers who are unable to work from home – including public transit staff working in GO and UP Stations, crews operating and maintaining buses and trains, and all essential staff building and maintaining transit – will  be eligible to get vaccinated beginning May 10, along with other frontline workers as part of phase 2 of the province’s vaccine rollout.

“Along with all of the dozens of safety actions already in place, vaccination is key part of our recovery,” said Martin Gallagher, Metrolinx Chief Safety Officer.

“Metrolinx is encouraging and supporting all of its staff to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible to help protect them and their loved ones against COVID-19.”

Gallagher added it is also: “Critically important that we build the confidence of our customers as they return to public transit.”

While the pandemic controls put in place over the last year have helped keep staff and customers safe, the primary goal of a vaccine program is to immunize the majority of the population so that COVID-19 can no longer spread, explained Gallagher, who has overseen the work of the pandemic Incident Command Team since January 2020.   

“The sooner the majority of Ontarians including our staff are vaccinated, the sooner our lives – and public transit – can return to normal,” he said.

It is an encouraging sign, Gallagher continued, that many staff, who are already eligible for vaccination have jumped at the chance to roll up their sleeve. Staff have been sharing their vaccination stories to help encourage others.

Leadership will continue to support and educate, as well as monitor uptake of staff who are taking advantage of the expanded eligibility. Staff will also be provided three hours of paid time off to get vaccinated.

For now, and until public health officials say it’s safe to stop, it is important to continue maintaining a physical distancing, wearing a mask, practicing proper hand hygiene and limiting non-essential travel. Safety actions implemented over the past year will remain in place – including additional cleaning and disinfection, the protective barriers between customer seats on buses and trains and the superior air filtration – to help keep everyone safe.

Public health officials say it typically takes two weeks after vaccination for the body to build protection (immunity) against the virus that causes COVID-19. And no one will be fully protected until two weeks after the second dose of a two-dose vaccine.

“We aren’t letting down our guard yet,” said Gallagher, “and nor should anyone.”

This week, Metrolinx had six additional staff across a variety of work locations in the GTHA test positive for COVID-19.

The total number of Metrolinx staff testing positive is now 142 out of over 4,500 employees – approximately 3 per cent of the workforce. Of the total number of Metrolinx staff who tested positive, more than 90 per cent contracted the virus outside the workplace.

April 23, 2021 – This week, Metrolinx had 17 additional staff across a variety of work locations in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area test positive for COVID-19. There has also been an increased number of contractors testing positive.

As Metrolinx has done throughout the pandemic, management continues to work with local public health units to report any outbreaks and to assist with contact tracing.

The total number of Metrolinx staff testing positive is now 125 out of more than 4,300 employees. Of the total number of Metrolinx staff who tested positive, more than 90 per cent contracted the virus outside the workplace and do not appear to have had close contact with customers.

The Incident Command Team has broadened its focus these past few months to include vaccination to eliminate any potential barriers for staff getting vaccinated. These efforts include education and information to ensure staff are aware when they are eligible and addressing any questions or concerns – including sharing staff testimonials about being vaccinated.

Staff are also supported with paid time off to get vaccinated. 

Since the pandemic began, Metrolinx has implemented more than 40 permanent safety actions which has helped keep case levels within critical frontline transit staff low. As the variants cause an alarming increase in cases across the province, Metrolinx has expanded safety measures such as issuing medical masks for staff and implementing rapid testing in high risk locations to ensure everyone continues to stay safe until vaccination rates are higher.

While the daily rise in the numbers of people getting vaccinated – many Metrolinx staff are signing up as they become eligible – gives reason for hope, there is a long way to go before this pandemic comes to an end. The stress after all these long difficult months is becoming increasingly evident amongst both customers and staff and the negative impact on mental health is sadly unmistakeable.

To help as much as possible, Metrolinx has developed resources and supports for employees as they navigate through this challenging time. And it is important that everyone take care of their mental health. For customers travelling for essential reasons, they are taking comfort in knowing all of the safety actions implemented during the pandemic to keep customers and staff safe remain in place including the protective barriers between seats on buses and trains and superior air filtration. Vehicles and stations will continue receiving additional deep cleaning, hand sanitizer on vehicles and in stations will be replenished regularly, and staff will continue to wear PPE. 

April 1, 2021 – This week, Metrolinx has had seven additional staff and several other contractors across the region – both operational and working from home – test positive for the virus. None of the employees had direct contact with customers and all appear to have contracted the virus outside the workplace.

Since March 2020 when the first presumptive case was reported, the total number of Metrolinx staff testing positive is now 92 out of over 4,300 employees – and remains a small percentage of the workforce with no outbreaks on trains or buses.

As the cases increase throughout the province, Metrolinx has taken additional measures to ensure both staff and customers continue to remain safe until the vaccine is more widely available.

Strengthened measures include:

1. Working from home extended – half the Metrolinx workforce has been working exclusively from home and they will continue to do so as much as possible. We will reassess the situation in June.
2. Staff issued medical grade masks – staff face coverings have been upgraded to medical grade masks to provide further protection against the variants of concern.
3. Active staff health screening – prior to entering the workplace, all staff and contractors must complete health screening. Rapid testing is being expanded to more sites. If any employee, or anyone in their household has any symptoms they must stay home.
4. Reinforced safety actions – COVID-19 safety audits are conducted at worksites, additional staff education and web information, and increased supports for staff mental health and wellness.
5. Vaccine support – staff are kept informed and updated as vaccine rollout continues to expand.

March 26, 2021 – In the past two weeks, Metrolinx has had three additional staff who have tested positive for the virus. The total number of Metrolinx staff testing positive is now 85 out of over 4,300 employees – and remains a small percentage of the workforce with no outbreaks on trains or buses.

For the past very long year of the pandemic, customers have listened to the advice of public health and stayed home whenever possible. Now, as restrictions begin to ease, customers are slowly beginning to come back to GO Transit and UP Express. Metrolinx is preparing for their return with a comprehensive Let’s Get Ready to Ride plan.

Customers are now being vaccinated and some Metrolinx staff have qualified too. But it’s important to be aware that face coverings or masks are still required on GO Transit and UP Express – even if they’ve been vaccinated. 

March 12, 2021 – Since the pandemic began exactly a year ago, Metrolinx has kept our staff, customers and communities updated when it comes to both the efforts to limit the spread of the virus and the number of staff who have tested positive for COVID-19, including any efforts to support public health officials in contact tracing.

Body – In the past week, Metrolinx has had three additional staff who have tested positive for the virus. None of the additional staff exposed any customers or staff as they have not been at the office or have been working from home.

The total number of Metrolinx staff testing positive is now 82 out of over 4,300 employees – and remains a small percentage of the workforce.

Feb. 26, 2021 – For the second week in a row, Metrolinx has had no additional staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 to report.

The total number of Metrolinx staff testing positive remains at 77 out of over 4,300 employees – less than 2 per cent of the workforce.

Since March 2020, Metrolinx has had 1,175 staff complete and 18 currently in self-isolation – a practice that has helped keep our virus numbers low. Approximately half of employees who have tested positive for COVID were working from home; 74 out of 77 staff acquired the virus from outside the workplace. Metrolinx had one staff member pass away earlier this year from complications related to the virus.

Last week, York Region Public Health reported that a customer, who travelled on a Barrie GO Train Feb. 9 and10, tested positive for a ‘variant of concern’ and recommended that anyone travelling on the particular trips should self-monitor until February 24 and get tested. No further cases have so far been identified.

Feb 18, 2021 – Metrolinx has no additional staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 this week to report. The total number of Metrolinx staff testing positive remains at 77 out of over 4,300 Metrolinx employees – less than 2 per cent of the workforce.

However, today (Feb. 18, 2021) Metrolinx was informed by York Region Public Health (YRPH) that a customer, who has tested positive for the virus, traveled on a Barrie GO train on Feb. 9 and 10 while infectious.

Public health officials later identified through provincial laboratory screening that the customer has a ‘variant of concern’ and Metrolinx felt it was important to keep both customers and the public informed.

YRPH officials have recommended that anyone travelling on the particular trips should self-monitor until Feb. 24 – watch for symptoms but otherwise, there is no need to self-isolate.

Even if asymptomatic, public health is suggesting customers on these trips to get tested.

The customer rode the Barrie Line on Tues, Feb. 9 and Wed, Feb. 10 – see the specific trip details below. The person was asymptomatic at the time of travel and wore a mask. The individual developed COVID-19 symptoms on Thurs, Feb.11, at which point they began self-isolating and subsequently tested positive.

The customer rode the following GO Train trips:

• Tues, Feb. 9, 2021
  • Boarded 7:33 a.m. southbound from Rutherford Station to Union Station with arrival at approximately 8 a.m. (there were 157 customers on board)
  • Boarded 5:05 p.m. northbound from Union Station to Rutherford station with arrival at approximately 5:40 p.m. (150 customers on board)
• Wed, Feb. 10, 2021
  • Boarded 7:33 a.m. southbound from Rutherford Station to Union Station with arrival at approximately 8 a.m. (108 customers on board)
  • Boarded 5:05 p.m. northbound from Union Station to Rutherford Station with arrival at approximately 5:40 p.m. (100 customers on board)

YRPH recommends the following actions for any individuals on any of these trips:

• Get tested for COVID-19 at a COVID-19 Assessment Centre as soon as you are able, even if you are currently asymptomatic; if you are currently experiencing symptoms, no matter how mild they may seem, self-isolate immediately and seek assessment and testing at a COVID-19 Assessment Centre
• Monitor yourself for new/worsening signs and symptoms related to COVID-19 until Thursday, February 24, 2021 (14 days after last possible exposure)
• If you are currently experiencing symptoms, no matter how mild they may seem, self-isolate immediately and seek assessment and testing at a York COVID-19 Assessment Centre or at your local assessment centre.

Feb. 12, 2021 – In the past week, two additional Metrolinx employees have tested positive for COVID-19 including a staff member working exclusively from home and a bus operator working out of the Oshawa garage.

Any time a staff person or contractor tests positive, the Metrolinx safety team works with local public health units to assist with contact tracing to determine any staff who may need to consider being tested or require self-isolation.  Metrolinx also does any special cleaning required and ensure staff are kept completely informed. If there are any potential customers who may be at risk, they are informed as well.  

Out of over 4,300 Metrolinx employees, half of whom remain working from home, 77 have now tested positive for COVID-19 – less than 2 per cent of the workforce. There have been three workplace transmissions since March 2020 and one outbreak declared (two positive cases at the same location in a two-week period) that is now over.

Feb. 5, 2021 – In the past week, three additional Metrolinx employees have tested positive for COVID-19 including bus maintenance staff and operators.

Out of more than 4,300 Metrolinx employees, half of whom remain working from home, 75 have now tested positive for COVID-19 – approximately 1.6 per cent of the workforce. There have been three workplace transmissions since March 2020.

Jan. 29, 2021 – In the past week, five additional Metrolinx employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and in addition, one staff member has died – the first staff member to succumb from complications related to the virus. Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster personally extended condolences on behalf of his work family.

Verster said: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of our colleague during this difficult time.”

Working in GO Transit station services for the past 11 years, the well-liked staff member’s family has requested privacy as they grieve the loss of their beloved husband and father. His last day at work was Jan. 8, of this year, and it does not appear he contracted COVID-19 at the workplace.

Out of more than 4,300 Metrolinx employees, half of whom remain working from home, 72 have now tested positive for COVID-19 – approximately 1.6 per cent of the workforce. There have been two workplace transmissions since March 2020.

Metrolinx safety protocols such as masks, PPE and distancing, employee health checks, upgraded ventilation and sanitization, along with barriers on trains, buses and in stations have together helped limit the spread of the virus.

On Jan. 14, the Ontario government began a stay-at-home order for all residents, to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Essentially the order means people should remain home except for work, groceries, pharmacy, healthcare appointments or exercise. If customers do need to use GO or UP for essential purposes, they will not be required to travel with special documentation.

Jan. 20, 2021 – In the past week, six additional Metrolinx employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and are recovering at home.  Out of over 4,300 Metrolinx employees, half of whom are working from home, 67 have now tested positive for COVID-19 – approximately 1.5% of our workforce.

Metrolinx safety protocols such as masks, PPE and distancing, as well as upgraded ventilation and sanitization, which were implemented when the pandemic began, have helped limit the spread of the virus.

Of the most recent cases, staff in bus operations, finance, and rail fleet maintenance have tested positive. Two bus operators working out of the Oshawa Garage also tested positive in the past week which was reported to Durham Region Health Department (DRHD).

DRHD declared a ‘workplace outbreak’ in the Oshawa Garage so Metrolinx is working closely with public health officials to minimize potential spread. A workplace outbreak is defined as two or more laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases with an epidemiological link in the workplace (such as the same work area, same shift) within a 14-day period. This is the first outbreak and first employee-to-employee infection involving Metrolinx staff.

Given the rise in infection rates across the province, the Ontario government announced a stay-at-home order for all residents, beginning January 14 to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Essentially the order means people should remain home except for work, groceries, pharmacy, healthcare appointments or exercise. If customers do need to use GO or UP for essential purposes, they will not be required to travel with special documentation. Customers are reminded to wear their face coverings.

Over 2,000 Metrolinx employees who are able to work from home will continue to do so. Public consultations will also continue virtually. But otherwise, our frontline staff will continue to provide lifeline service for anyone needing to travel for essential purposes.

Jan. 15, 2021 – In the past week, six additional Metrolinx employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and are recovering at home. None of the cases are within the same location, nor connected in any way. No Metrolinx employees have contracted the virus at work.

Out of over 4,300 Metrolinx employees, 61 have now tested positive for COVID-19. To date, there have been no outbreaks at Metrolinx workplaces as our safety protocols such as masks and distancing have helped limit – and stay ahead – of the spread of the virus.

Given the alarming rise in infection rates across the province, the Ontario government announced a stay-at-home order for all residents, which began on  Jan. 14, to help further stop the spread of COVID-19 and ensure our health care system and workers do not get overwhelmed.

Essentially the order means people should remain home except for work, groceries, pharmacy, healthcare appointments or exercise. If customers do need to use GO or UP for essential purposes, they will not be required to travel with special documentation. Customers are reminded to wear their face coverings.

Of the changes announced, there is no change to protocols for Metrolinx operations staff or those involved in transit construction activities as these continue to be considered essential services. Staff who are working on the frontlines will continue to ensure GO Transit, UP Express and PRESTO services, as well as community and customer relations are there for customers and residents. Staff remain vigilant in practicing established safety measures and precautions.

Over 2,000 Metrolinx employees who are able to work from home will continue to work virtually. Public consultations will also continue virtually.

January 8, 2021 – In the first week of January, six additional Metrolinx employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and are recovering at home. None of the cases are within the same location, nor connected in any way.

Three of the affected staff members were working from home; the remaining were administrative staff or working on the frontlines including the first Transit Safety officer. Metrolinx has assisted public health agencies with contact tracing to ensure any at-risk staff self-isolate. Part of the process is to ensure any customers or partner agencies, who may be at-risk are informed as well.  This process has helped significantly to limit the spread of the virus.

Out of over 4,300 Metrolinx employees, 55 have now tested positive for COVID-19. To date, there have been no outbreaks involving Metrolinx employees on the transit agency’s systems as safety protocols such as masks and distancing have helped limit – and stay ahead – of the spread of the virus.

This week, however, Crosslinx – the constructor of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project – reported COVID-19 outbreaks at eight of their locations within their construction staff and sub-contractors. Through contact tracing, it was determined that no Metrolinx staff were potentially exposed.

Transit construction has been deemed an essential service. Crosslinx and all contractors and constructors have been entrusted with the critical responsibility to run safe sites – this includes ensuring appropriate protections are in place for their employees to minimize the transmission of COVID-19.  

Safety is critical to everything Metrolinx does, as the transit agency monitors the situation on all construction sites closely to ensure the constructors live up to their obligations to provide safe environments.

With virus numbers rapidly escalating in Ontario and a province-wide shutdown in place, Metrolinx will continue to operate essential GO Transit and UP Express service but is asking customers to limit their travel to essential trips only – work or medical appointments, or to get food and prescriptions.

December 18, 2020 – In the past week, four additional Metrolinx employees have tested positive for COVID-19.

The affected staff members were either working from home or consistently wore their face coverings while at work and are now recovering at home.

Staff do not appear to have contracted the virus at the workplace. 

Out of over 4,300 Metrolinx employees, 45 have now tested positive for COVID-19. To date, there have been no outbreaks on our system as our safety protocols have helped limit – and stay ahead – of the spread of the virus.

December 11, 2020 – In the past week, five additional Metrolinx employees and one Bombardier contract employee have tested positive for COVID-19.

In four of the cases, the affected staff members were either working from home or had not been at work since the end of November; therefore in those cases, no other staff nor customers were potentially exposed.

The fifth case involved a bus driver who was last worked on December 3. Metrolinx has confirmed that the affected bus driver was wearing their face covering at all times while on duty, was following the guidelines to prevent the spread of infection and only interacted with customers while behind a plexiglass barrier. Through consultation with public health, it was determined the potential for spread and risk to others in this case was extremely low.

In the case involving the Bombardier employee, they did not have a customer facing job, were wearing their face covering at all times and was also following the recommended health and safety guidelines.

None of the most recent staff cases of COVID-19 are connected in any way. Additionally, given the circumstances in each case we are confident that each of the employees contracted the virus from outside of the workplace. 

Out of over 4,300 Metrolinx employees, 41 have now tested positive for COVID-19. To date, there have been no outbreaks on our system as our safety protocols have helped limit – and stay ahead – of the spread of the virus.

December 2, 2020 – In the past week, four additional Metrolinx employees have tested positive for COVID-19. The staff were either working from home or have not been at work since prior to November 17; therefore no other staff nor customers were potentially exposed.

None of the most recent staff cases of COVID-19 are connected in any way, nor did they contract the virus at work. Out of over 4,300 Metrolinx employees, 36 have now tested positive for COVID-19. To date, there have been no outbreaks on our system as our safety protocols have helped limit – and stay ahead – of the spread of the virus.

November 27, 2020 – In the past week, four additional Metrolinx employees have tested positive for COVID-1 – two of the staff have been working exclusively at home; another is a bus operator who has not been at work since Nov. 9; and the other works as a station staff in Union Station whose last day of work was Nov. 2.

None of the most recent cases are connected in any way, nor did they contract the virus at the workplace. Customers were not at risk of exposure. Out of over 4,300 Metrolinx employees, 32 have tested positive for COVID-19. To date, there have been no outbreaks on the transit system as safety protocols have helped limit – and get ahead – of the spread.

November 16, 2020 – Metrolinx has been informed that two employees have tested positive for COVID-19.

Both are bus operators, one from Steeprock and the other from Streetsville garage, and both were last at work on November 9. They were wearing face-coverings and shields while on duty and sit behind an operator barrier.

The staff had no direct contact with customers so the risk to other staff and customers is very low.

None of the most recent cases are connected in any way. Metrolinx is giving this update out of an abundance of caution.

Out of over 4,300 Metrolinx employees, 28 have tested positive for COVID-19. To date, there have been no outbreaks on the system as safety protocols have helped limit – and get ahead – of the spread.

November 13, 2020 – We have been informed that a Metrolinx employee who is working from home as well as another staff member in bus maintenance have both tested positive for COVID-19. Neither employee has had any contact with customers. We are telling the public out of an abundance of caution.

Out of over 4,300 Metrolinx employees, 26 have tested positive for COVID-19. To date, there have been no outbreaks on our system as our safety protocols have helped limit – and get ahead – of the spread.

Ensuring we maintain good air circulation on trains and buses is just one way Metrolinx is limiting the spread of transmission. Metrolinx has invested in seat barriers between customers as well as for bus drivers, ensured hand-sanitizer is readily available, added safety decals to ensure physical distancing and made face coverings mandatory for anyone on our system.  

As numbers increase at an alarming rate, everyone is reminded to take care of themselves and each other by recommitting to the basics from public health:

• Stay home and off transit if your are ill or have potentially been exposed to COVID-19
• Wear your face covering and ensure you keep both your nose and mouth covered (Check out the Metrolinx PPE dispensers and branded masks)
• Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer found on buses, trains and in stations when you can’t
• Download the COVID Alert App.

November 9, 2020 – Metrolinx has been informed that a bus operator has tested positive for COVID-19.

The last day of work for the driver was Nov. 4 and they had no contact with customers on that day. All staff wear personal protective equipment at work and the bus operators sit behind a protective barrier.

Buses are all equipped with hand sanitizer for customers and protective barriers are being installed between seats.

Metrolinx has also had a Willowbrook staff member, who has no contact with customers, test positive.

Out of over 4,300 Metrolinx employees, 24 have tested positive for COVID-19. There have been no outbreaks on the transit system; safety protocols have helped limit the spread. Metrolinx launched a new campaign to show customers how committed the transit agency is to safety.

November 4, 2020 – We have been informed that a Metrolinx bus operator has tested positive for COVID-19. The last day of work for the driver was October 31 and they had no contact with customers except for one trip from leaving at 7:50 p.m. from Yorkdale to Oshawa GO Station. All staff wear PPE at work and the bus operators sit behind a protective barrier therefore; the risk to customers is low.

Out of over 4,300 Metrolinx employees, 22 have tested positive for COVID-19. All appear to have contracted the virus outside of the workplace and not while taking transit or at a worksite. Metrolinx safety protocols have helped stop the spread.

As the virus continues to circulate in the community, everyone is reminded of the basics from public health:

• Stay home and off transit if your are ill or have potentially been exposed to COVID-19
• Wear your face covering and ensure you keep both your nose and mouth covered (Metrolinx is raising money for United Way by selling branded masks)
• Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer found on buses, trains and in stations when you can’t
• Download the COVID Alert App which has been pushed out to all Metrolinx phones.

Metrolinx has implemented over 40 safety actions to help stop the spread of the virus as safety never stops.

November 1, 2020 – We have been informed that a Metrolinx bus operator who covers Brampton routes has tested positive for COVID-19. The last day of work for the driver was October 25. All staff wear PPE at work and the bus operators sit behind a protective barrier therefore; the risk to customers is low. We are communicating to all customers out of an abundance of caution and address any questions and concerns openly.

Out of over 4,300 Metrolinx employees, 21 have tested positive for COVID-19 and all have recovered or are recovering at home. All appear to have contracted the virus outside of the workplace and not while taking transit or at a worksite. Metrolinx safety protocols have helped stop the spread.

As the virus continues to circulate in the community, everyone is reminded of the basics from public health:

• Stay home and off transit if ill or have potentially been exposed to COVID-19
• Wear your face covering and ensure you keep both your nose and mouth covered (Metrolinx is raising money for United Way by selling branded masks)
• Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer found on buses, trains and in stations when you can’t
• Download the COVID Alert App which has been pushed out to all Metrolinx phones.

Metrolinx has implemented over 40 safety actions to help stop the spread of the virus as safety never stops.

October 30, 2020 – Metrolinx has been informed that two additional staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. Neither employee works with the public or transit customers, and they work in different divisions and worksites.

Out of over 4,300 Metrolinx employees, 20 have tested positive for COVID-19 and all have recovered or are recovering at home. All appear to have contracted the virus outside of the workplace and not while taking transit or at a worksite. Safety protocols have helped stop the spread.

October 28, 2020 – Metrolinx has been informed a staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. In the past two weeks, the staff member was in the office once, very briefly on October 21, and appears to have contracted the virus from outside the work location.

The staff member, who has no contact with transit customers, followed all safety protocols: passed through health screening, wore their face covering and kept their distance when in the office or out in the field.

Out of over 4,300 Metrolinx employees, 18 have tested positive for COVID-19 and all have recovered or are recovering at home. All those employees appear to have contracted the virus outside of work, which reinforces that safety is critical while at work and outside of work.

October 23, 2020 – Metrolinx has learned from public health officials that a customer on board a Route 40 GO bus on October 17 travelling from Pearson Airport to Hamilton GO Station has now tested positive for COVID-19. We all wish them a speedy recovery.

The customer boarded the double decker bus (Bus #8456 and Trip #40831) at approximately 10:50 pm at Pearson on October 17, sat upstairs and was wearing a face covering during their journey.

Our driver, who was also masked and sitting behind a protective shield, has been informed and is now self-monitoring for symptoms of the virus. Bus drivers all go through health screening before they begin their shift. Our vehicles also receive thorough cleaning during the day and deep cleaning and disinfection each night.

This particular trip had a total of 16 customers on board between Pearson and Hamilton GO and Metrolinx is working to reach those who used registered PRESTO cards. However, not all customers use PRESTO to travel and not all register their cards so we are reaching out through Metrolinx News and social media more broadly to customers out of an abundance of caution. If any customers are concerned about potential exposure they should contact their health care provider, their local public health or Telehealth Ontario.

As a reminder, it is mandatory for all Metrolinx employees and customers to wear face coverings while on transit or in stations to protect those around them.   This along with over 40 other safety actions has helped prevent outbreaks on our system and in work locations. See more about all the safety actions Metrolinx has implemented to help stop the spread.

All staff and customers are asked to remember the basics from public health:

• Stay home and off transit if you are ill
• Wear your face covering and ensure you keep both your nose and mouth covered (we’ve got great new, popular branded masks)
• Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer found on buses, trains and in stations when you can’t
• Download the COVID Alert App which has already helped some of our staff receive early notifications of exposures and potentially limit the spread. The app has been pushed out to all Metrolinx phones.

October 22, 2020 – Metrolinx have learned that a front-line staff member working out of Hamilton GO Station has tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member was last at work on Oct. 18, and appears to have contracted the virus from outside the work location.

The employee is now recovering at home and we all wish them a speedy recovery.

Any Metrolinx staff that had direct contact with their colleague have been notified and are seeking guidance from health care professionals and self-isolating as a precaution. Like all staff, the employee wore a mask and gloves during their shifts and kept a safe distance from other staff and customers while working.

The transit agency is advising the public out of an abundance of caution to address any questions or concerns immediately.

Out of a workforce of approximately 4,300 staff, this is the 17th Metrolinx employee who has tested positive for COVID-19.

As a reminder, it is mandatory for all Metrolinx employees and customers to wear face coverings while on transit or in stations to protect those around them.  This along with over 40 other safety actions has helped prevent outbreaks on our system and in work locations. See more about all the safety actions Metrolinx has implemented to help stop the spread.

October 8, 2020 – Metrolinx has been informed that an office employee has tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member has not been at the office since September 24 and appears to have contracted the virus from outside the work location.

There is no risk to customers or other staff. The employee is now recovering at home and we wish them a speedy recovery.

Out of a workforce of approximately 4,300 staff, this is the 16th Metrolinx employee who has tested positive for COVID-19.

As the case numbers rise, Metrolinx has made the decision to continue with most of our office staff at home to work for the time being. While at work, it is mandatory for all Metrolinx employees and customers to wear face coverings to protect those around them.   This along with over 40 other safety actions has helped prevent outbreaks on our system and in our work locations. See more about all the safety actions Metrolinx has implemented to help stop the spread.

All staff and customers are asked to remember the basics from public health:

• Stay home and off transit if you are ill
• Wear your face covering and ensure you keep both your nose and mouth covered (we’ve got great new branded masks) when keeping a social distancing isn’t possible
• Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer when you can’t
• Limit your social interactions – even during holidays.

October 5, 2020 – Metrolinx has been informed that an office employee working out of 97 Front Street West has tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member has not been at office since September 25 and appears to have contracted the virus from outside the work location.

The employee’s role was not customer facing for either GO Transit or UP Express.

The employee, who wore a mask while in the building, is now recovering at home and they are receiving support from Metrolinx officials and fellow employees.

To find out more, please click here.

September 24, 2020 – Metrolinx has been informed that two employees working in bus operations have tested positive for COVID-19. The staff members have not been at work since August 10 and August 22 and both contracted the virus from outside the work location. There is therefore no risk to other employees or customers.

The employees are now recovering at home and are receiving support from Metrolinx officials and fellow employees.

Throughout the past six months of this pandemic, Metrolinx has been completely and proactively transparent about any positive cases within its workforce to keep customers and staff informed.

As the case numbers increase across the country, it is now more important than ever that we all remain fully committed to our health and safety practices that we’ve been following throughout the pandemic. As weary as we all may be feeling, now is not the time to let down our guard.

Remember the basics: stay home if you are ill; wear your face covering correctly and faithfully (we’ve got great new branded masks to add to your stash); wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer when you can’t; and limit your social interactions.

It is mandatory for all Metrolinx employees and customers to wear face coverings to protect those around them.  This along with 40 other safety actions has helped keep our positive cases very low and a good reminder of the importance of wearing face coverings throughout your entire journey – from station, to platform, to bus and train.  See more about all the safety actions (link) Metrolinx has implemented to help stop the spread.

Out of a workforce of approximately 4,300 staff, 14 Metrolinx employees have tested positive for COVID-19.

September 14, 2020 – Metrolinx has been informed that an employee working in bus operations has tested positive for COVID-19.

The staff member has not been at work since August 5 as they were on leave and contracted the virus from outside the work location. They are now recovering at home and are receiving support from Metrolinx officials and fellow employees.

As we have throughout the pandemic, we are updating the public to be completely transparent and keep our customers and staff informed.

As a reminder, most staff are health screened before entering the workplace and once at work, all employees wear proper personal protective equipment, such as face coverings and face shields, as well as gloves, keep a safe distance from staff and customers, and maintain proper disinfection procedures.

It is mandatory for all Metrolinx employees and customers to wear face coverings to protect those around them.  This has helped keep our positive cases during the pandemic very low and a good reminder of the importance of wearing face coverings throughout your entire journey – from station, to platform, to bus and train.

Out of a workforce of approximately 4,300 staff, this is the 12th Metrolinx employee who has tested positive for COVID-19. Early on in the pandemic before everyone was being tested, four other staff were considered probable cases

September 2, 2020 – After nearly two months without a positive test result, Metrolinx has been informed that an employee working out of the East Gwillimbury Garage has unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19. All indications are our employee contracted the virus from outside the work location. They are now recovering at home and are receiving support from Metrolinx officials and fellow employees.

Most staff are health screened before entering the workplace and this employee was screened out and has not been at work since August 29. While at work, all employees wear proper PPE, such as face coverings and face shields, as well as gloves, keep a safe distance from staff and customers, and maintain proper disinfection procedures. Although the risk to customers is extremely low, we are informing the public out of an abundance of caution.

It is mandatory for all Metrolinx employees and customers to wear face coverings to protect those around them.  This has helped keep our positive cases during the pandemic very low and a good reminder of the importance of wearing face coverings throughout your entire journey – from station, to platform, to bus and train.  Out of a workforce of approximately 4,300 staff, this is the 11th Metrolinx employee who has tested positive for COVID-19. Early on in the pandemic before everyone was being tested, four other staff were considered probable cases.

August 12, 2020 – Metrolinx is teaming up with a Waterloo-based startup to keep staff safe and the environment clean.

The company is supplying the transit agency with what the company calls the world’s first reusable and waterproof non-medical mask to help in its fight against the pandemic.

Read the full story behind this innovative Ontario manufacturer who is helping keep transit staff safe during COVID-19

August 4, 2020 – Find out how your habits at home impact others, including on GO Transit and UP Express vehicles. Anne Marie Aikins looks at things we all should be keeping in mind.

You can find that column by clicking here.

July 22, 2020 – As face coverings are now mandatory on all GO Transit and UP Express vehicles, we offer up a helpful guide to all the ways your transit experience is changing this summer.

You can find that story by clicking here.

July 15, 2020 – Earlier today (July 15), a half a dozen GO buses full of migrant farm workers made their way from Windsor-area hotels to farms in Leamington, Ontario.

The workers had been staying in Windsor as part of precautionary 14-day period after a COVID-19 hot spot was discovered in the Leamington area. They were recently cleared by health officials to head to their home bases in Essex County’s agricultural hub.

Metrolinx was asked to help transport the workers and quickly mustered up the resources to make it happen. Metrolinx officials put out the call for volunteers and several drivers offered to help the workers make the trip.

Read the full story here.

July 8, 2020 – Metrolinx has been informed that a staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member has been working from home since March, therefore there is no risk to customers. The individual is recovering at home and is receiving support from Metrolinx officials and fellow employees.

All staff that worked with the individual have been informed and we are informing the public out of an abundance of caution.

It became mandatory for all Metrolinx employees and contractors to wear face coverings in May, to protect those around them. It is also essential that our customers do the same to protect their fellow customers and Metrolinx staff.  Staff are also expected to stay home if ill, practice good hand hygiene, and observe physical distancing.

Out of a workforce of approximately 4,300 staff, this is the tenth Metrolinx employee who has tested positive for COVID-19. Early on in the pandemic before everyone was being tested, four other staff were considered probable cases.

July 7, 2020 – Metrolinx has been informed that a staff member working in station operations has tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member is recovering at home and is receiving support from Metrolinx officials and fellow employees.

The staff member last worked on July 3, was asymptomatic, consistently wore a face covering while working and kept a safe distance from other staff.  In addition, they had no contact with customers. Therefore, public health has not asked to speak with customers. All staff that worked with the individual have been informed.

We are informing the public out of an abundance of caution.

It became mandatory for all Metrolinx employees and contractors to wear face coverings in May, to protect those around them. It is also essential that our customers do the same to protect their fellow customers and Metrolinx staff.  Staff are also expected to stay home if ill, practice good hand hygiene, and observe physical distancing.

All staff have access to a generous supply of hand sanitizer and their worksites and vehicles are frequently disinfected and cleaned—these efforts are effectively limiting the spread of infection and protecting staff and customers. Out of a workforce of approximately 4,300 staff, this is the ninth Metrolinx employee who has tested positive for COVID-19. Early on in the pandemic before everyone was being tested, four other staff were considered probable cases.

(July 2) Metrolinx is testing out plastic seat dividers on both GO trains and buses.

The innovative pieces will help protect the safety of customers.

We can show you an image below. But for a more detailed look, including on new signs being used to help customers, just click here for the full story.

(June 24) Metrolinx is stepping up in-service cleaning efforts across the GO transit network.

The transit agency is rolling out a newly enhanced midday cleaning program that complements the existing thorough daily disinfecting work.

To find out more about this important work, click here. 

(June 18) Metrolinx has informed staff that a bus driver has tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member is recovering at home and they are getting support from Metrolinx officials and fellow employees.

The bus operator last worked on June 11, was asymptomatic, consistently wore a face covering while driving and the bus was fitted with a protective barrier.  Therefore, public health believes it is a low risk situation and has not asked to speak with customers.

We are informing the public out of an abundance of caution. The driver did not work June 8, 9 or 10th and has been in self-isolation after his shift ended June 11 following a family member testing positive after a routine test. The driver subsequently was tested and that test came back positive as well.

The operator drove the early morning routes between Oshawa and Newcastle (Bus 90A) as well as Oshawa and Finch (96 and 96B).

All Metrolinx employees wear face coverings, and bus operators may also wear face shields and gloves. All staff have access to a generous supply of hand sanitizer and their worksites and vehicles are frequently disinfected and cleaned—these efforts are effectively limiting the spread of infection and protecting staff and customers.

Out of a workforce of approximately 4,300 staff, this is the eighth Metrolinx employee who has tested positive for COVID-19, along with four other probable cases.

(June 5) Metrolinx has informed staff that a colleague in bus operations – not a customer facing position – has tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member is recovering at home and they are getting support from Metrolinx officials and fellow employees.

As part of our safety program to limit the spread of the virus, employees at key locations go through health screening and as a result, this employee was screened out of work on June 2 and subsequently was tested.

Employees also wear face coverings, face shields and gloves, have access to a generous supply of hand sanitizer and their worksites are frequently disinfected and cleaned—these efforts are effectively limiting the spread of infection and protecting staff and customers.

Out of a workforce of approximately 4,300 staff, this is the seventh Metrolinx employee who has tested positive for COVID-19, along with four other probable cases.

(June 3) We know – we already told you about new signs going up around Union Station to help keep travelers safe.

But as many people still aren’t heading back to work just yet, we wanted to show you images taken this week of a new crop of health messages and safety reminders that have just gone up on Toronto’s main transit hub.

For those allowed to get back to journeys, the signs will be hard to miss.

As well, here’s something else worth repeating – while not mandatory, we strongly encourage our customers to follow the guidance of public health officials and use a face covering to help protect everyone using GO Transit, UP Express and Union Station.

(May 26) Signs of the times.

For Metrolinx, safety never stops. As the transit agency welcome customers back to GO, new signs and decals have been installed throughout the GO York Concourse at Union Station to help guide people in the station.

Customers making their way through Union Station will start seeing the newly installed floor decals at the service desks, lost and found, elevators and near ticket vending machines. The signage outside and inside elevators will also note the maximum capacity.

While following these signs is not mandatory, the advice comes from public health officials and gives customers the best guidance to keep themselves – and their fellow customers – safe.

(May 20 – 3:45 p.m.) Metrolinx is recommending you protect yourself – and others – by wearing face coverings if physical distancing isn’t possible.

That direction follows advice issued today by Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams, that those taking public transit should wear face coverings as the best line of defence against COVID-19.

You can find that full story by clicking here.

(May 20 – 12:16 p.m.) Since January, Metrolinx has introduced more than 40 different safety measures to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 for staff and customers.

There’s now something new people in Union Station will see: Metrolinx is piloting health and safety kiosks. These self-serve education tools will provide customers with additional information to help keep them, and the people around them, safe. 

The kiosks will give customers information on four things:

1. Temperature screening: Customers can use a standalone contactless unit to check their own temperature while maintaining physical distancing. You simply walk up to the station and an infrared camera will instantly check the individual’s temperature. In order to respect everyone’ privacy, the device will be positioned so the results of the screening are not visible to other customers.
2. The effectiveness of cleaning products: Customers can check how clean their own items are with an ATP meter, a device that verifies cleanliness. They can see the effectiveness of the cleaning products  used at GO stations and on the GO and UP Express fleet  by using them on their items and checking it again.
3. The importance of proper hand-washing: Customers can put their hand washing technique to the test by applying a product called Glow Germ, which will reveal germs when exposed to UV light.
4. The effectiveness of physical distancing: On a banner that’s to scale, customers can see for themselves how far the droplets that transmit COVID-19 can travel.

(May 14) We have a few important numbers to share with you, that speak to how Metrolinx staff – many who still serve on the frontlines of essential transit – are doing.

Of approximately 4,300 Metrolinx staff, 406 have successfully moved through the isolation and quarantine process imposed because of travel, awaiting test results or from being near someone suspected of having COVID-19.

Our numbers of impacted workers are steadily declining just as the curve across the province is flattening. Our absence level due to illness has remained very low.

Our efforts are working to protect both staff and customers, as five staff who have tested positive, and another four who were probably cases; eight have fully recovered and one remains at home on their way to a full recovery.

They say a crisis brings out the best in people and we remain vigilant.

(May 11) It’s going to be a banner week, Toronto.

We recently brought you the story of Pickering mother, Laurette Sharpe, and her three sons, who wanted to show support for all frontline workers.

We wrote about them below and you can find their full feature here.

Part of that mission was creating a large banner as a public acknowledgement of the heroic essential workers, including first responders, health care experts and transit staff, including those working for GO Transit.

That banner is now up in Toronto’s Union Station, located on the west side of York Concourse, next to GO’s Lost and Found offices.

Those frontline workers will now walk by it daily.

(May 7) Laurette Sharpe and her family are trying to boost the spirits of frontline workers in need of a reason to smile.

Metrolinx News is featuring the touching story of one Pickering family who have come together to thank Ontario frontline workers toiling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out how their banner work will soon find a home in Toronto’s main transit hub. You can find that full story by clicking here.

(April 30) It’s a ride to mark respect.

Tonight, Metrolinx staff from our frontlines will participate in a parade of transit vehicles along hospital row in downtown Toronto, to thank healthcare workers on their frontlines.

Organized by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), the parade will include six decorated GO Transit buses and three GO Transit Safety cruisers, along with an operations vehicle travelling around Queens Park Circle to drive past Princess Margaret Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, The Hospital for Sick Children and Toronto General Hospital.

Much of the signs and posters on both GO and TTC vehicles were done by staff and their families.

The parade is expected to begin at 7:15 p.m. tonight (April 30).

These dedicated bus and transit safety employees are just some of the 2,000 Metrolinx staff working on the frontlines, making sure people throughout the Greater Golden Horseshoe Region of Ontario can get to their essential jobs during the pandemic. And the more than 2,000 Metrolinx employees who are able to work from home are doing their part by cheering them on from afar.

As a transit agency who helps get essential frontline workers to their jobs every day, the parade is a way to acknowledge the important role those healthcare heroes are playing during the. flight against COVID-19

The TTC Honour Guard will be leading the parade.

Update – 8:46 p.m.: Below is an image from the parade of transit vehicles, including GO Transit staff and vehicles.

Union Station – Quiet But Busy

For those who may have missed seeing Union Station for more than a month, we thought you might like a reminder of Toronto’s most important transit hub. Here’s an image of how quiet it is now during mid-day.

But that doesn’t mean work isn’t continuing on upgrades to the building. Check out this picture taken earlier this week along the west side of Union Station, as you go south on the walkway along York St. You can see progress that will greet customers once everyone returns.

(April 24) Just a short time ago, who would have thought that ‘hand sanitizer’ would become a common staple in many of our lives?

The squirts of gel – along with physical distancing, wearing a mask when that can’t be done and things like sneezing into the crook of an elbow – are now becoming healthy social norms.

And we’re learning that ease and convenience go a long way to creating those healthy habits, including while using GO Transit.

Those essential workers who count on GO buses likely have already seen handy sanitizer dispensers now built into vehicles, for passengers to use. For those who are at home, and will be using routes once most people can return back to work and outings, we thought we’d share a few photos to show you what they look like.

Not so different than what we’ve come to expect, but certainly a big part of the new and perhaps unusual normal when out and about.

(April 22) Like the rest of the world, Metrolinx unfortunately sees cases of COVID-19 among our family of staff.

This is an update on that status.

To date, we have had four Metrolinx employees test positive and another four probable cases of the Coronavirus. Those members include bus operators, senior staff in operations as well as maintenance and administration.

All of our members are recovering or have recovered at home.

Public health officials believe most positive cases have been community acquired as our staff are working from home or otherwise in self-isolation – keeping their distance from fellow employees and customers, whenever possible.

As we’ve previously reported – look below for that complete story – Metrolinx is distributing thousands of care packages that include reusable cloth face masks, face shields, hand-sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to our teams.  We’re working hard to flatten the curve within Metrolinx by limiting the transmission as much as possible.

Another proactive measure — when we are notified of someone with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 – is that out of an abundance of caution, Metrolinx temporarily closes down the associated station or office, or removes the bus or train coach from service. A complete cleaning then takes place.

That was done this week at East Gwillimbury GO Station.

When we become aware of any positive cases of Coronavirus, we communicate to our staff and customers as well. This update – as well as the reporting on this site – is part of that continued commitment.

COVID seclusion for a good cause

Some of us spend our isolation eating chips and watching Tiger King on Netflix.

But at least one Transit Safety officer, along with his young family, have managed to put online gaming – and even their own hair – to good use for a greater good.

It’s a bit of inspiration during these tough times. We’ve posted that story, and you can find it by clicking here

(April 20) It was the frontline supporting the life savers.

Last night (April 19), Metrolinx’s Transit Safety officers joined their sisters and brothers as first-responders created a parade of solidarity along Toronto’s hospital row.

Emergency vehicles of every kind – including ambulances, fire trucks and police departments – moved down University Avenue, with lights flashing and the blare of sirens, as a way to salute hospital workers across Toronto, and beyond.

Similar parades were held around other hospitals across the city, and about a dozen Metrolinx officers and revenue protection officers took part.

Healthcare workers watched from the windows and doors of clinics and hospitals, as the vehicles moved along during the emotional show of support. Many crews exited their vehicles, to salute medical comrades.

Bill Grodzinski, Metrolinx’s director, Security Operations said: “In the most challenging time, the best of the human spirit shows through.

“Our members wanted to demonstrate, on behalf of all of us at Metrolinx, our deepest appreciation for the heroes on the very frontline – the health care workers looking after those in need.”

Many organizations also shared their support on social media, here is a sample of those posts:

Masks on the GO

Transport Canada has issued new regulations and guidance for travellers. So it’s a good time to go over those rules, for those essential workers who are still using GO Transit to get to where they need to be.

The federal transportation department is recommending that if physical distancing is not possible, passengers wear a face covering or mask that covers the mouth and nose when taking transit.

This shouldn’t be an issue for many GO passengers, as ridership is now down by approximately 90 per cent, and bus and train service is working very well without crowding. Riders are able to continue to spread out to have physical distancing.

However, staff has the right to deny boarding to passengers when a vehicle may not permit the recommended physical distancing and the passenger does not have a mask or face covering – though at this point those occasions have been very rare.

Metrolinx has provided reusable fabric face masks and face shields for our frontline staff. You can see that story below.

Wearing the face shield and fabric face covering by our staff is not mandatory at this time, and are not a substitute for physical distancing.

And as always, passengers, like our own staff, are reminded about the big impact of constantly doing seemingly small things, including repeated hand washing, taking time so you don’t have to crowd and using the inside of an elbow to block a sneeze.

As well as having patience during these unusual times.

(April 17) If necessity is the mother of invention, then COVID-19 precautions are giving birth to a great many babies.

That includes a way to simply be able to walk up and down stairs safely.

Green light – Red light

In many Metrolinx construction sites, such as along the Eglinton Crosstown light rail transit route, there are industrial steps leading into mined work areas – some far below the ground. They are often narrow passages, and don’t allow a lot of room to pass and still adhere to good social distancing.

So those on the ground have had to become creative with a quick solution. Right now, it’s a rather cool pilot project.

To help the flow of human traffic, Crosslinx Transit Solutions’ team have installed a traffic light at the top and bottom of the stairs at one of the Crosstown sites to avoid people using the route at the same time in opposing directions.

Once the light turns green on one side and remains red at the other, workers have three minutes to go down or five minutes to go up. This is an innovation that could be adopted at any excavation site that uses stairs for access and egress.

It’s a safe solution born from a healthy need.

New images of care packages

In an update yesterday, we told you about special care packages, containing supplies for frontline Metrolinx staff. More than 3,000 are being handed out.

As those kits don’t magically get put together, we thought you might like to see pictures of the large areas set aside to create the collections. It’s essentially, workers helping their teammates who are out in front during the COVID-19 response.

The team is working hard to get these new health and safety supplies out to our front line as quickly as possible.

(April 16) Veteran GO Transit bus operator Mike Kopac made history this week, by doing something he’s done for decades – driving.

Only this time, he did it from behind a new polycarbonate barrier. His bus, pulling into Union Station after a drive from Streetsville garage, was the first to have the protection installed.

“This is going to be great for drivers,” he said, checking out the new barrier for the first time. “I feel more comfortable. I really do. I like it.”

As for driver safety and security Kopac, who has been driving for GO Transit for 30 years, had nothing but praise for the shields.

“I love it, it’s beautiful,” he said. “You’re going to get an A-plus from everybody for this.”

Adding the plexiglass shields to GO buses will help drivers stay protected in the enclosed driving space and keep distance from any customers who might be sick.

Care Package Kits

Now that we’re on the subject of protection – for both Metrolinx employees and essential passengers – special ‘care package’ kits are being sent to front-line staff.

An estimated 3,300 individual packs are being delivered.

The situation with COVID-19 has been rapidly changing and the recommendations from public health experts are evolving as they learn more about the transmission of the virus.

Public health officials now believe a non-medical face covering may reduce the chance of respiratory droplets coming into contact with others or landing on surfaces. Wearing a fabric face covering is an additional measure we can take to protect those around us. To be clear, a fabric face covering is not intended to protect the wearer from respiratory viruses and is not effective for this purpose.

Based on this new public health guidance, Metrolinx has secured and are providing reusable and washable fabric face coverings for our frontline staff along with other items to help maintain their good health.

Wearing the face shield and fabric face covering by our staff is not mandatory at this time, and are not a substitute for physical distancing.

This is what the care packages include:

• Lightweight reusable face shield
• Fabric reusable face covering / mask
• Hand sanitizers
• Nitrile gloves
• Sanitizing wipes

Staff members are being reminded, when they get their packs, fabric face coverings are not designed to or meant to replace key hygiene actions such as frequent hand-washing, coughing etiquette, staying at home if sick, and avoiding touching one’s face.

(April 9) Essential passengers on GO buses will start to see unique protective shields around the driver’s area.

The barriers, including prototypes now on various GO buses, are being put through their paces. There are a lot of factors to consider, including how they perform in the glare of evening and night driving.

In the image below, you can see Joe Lembo, a member of the Joint Health and Safety Committee, who is doing some of that testing.

It’s a massive effort by Metrolinx that would typically be scheduled over an 18 month period, but through some hard work and innovative solutions, officials are compressing the schedule down to less than six weeks.

Here’s how they look.

Digital protection:

Continuing essential construction projects during a pandemic requires implementing innovative procedures to ensure everyone stays healthy.

Crosslinx, the constructor of the Eglinton Crosstown light rail transit (LRT) project has brought in mandatory daily health screening for everyone entering their construction sites.

Rather than only using a paper survey, their teams came up with an electronic solution, that makes use of smartphones to check on a worker’s current health.  This strategy, along with physical distancing, daily cleaning and ensuring adequate hand-washing facilities, will help ensure construction sites limit transmission as much as possible.

Here’s how it looks:

Click here for a better look at the graphic

Holiday weekend:

A reminder, as we enter a long weekend, to only travel if you are part of an essential service.

And visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.

(April 8) In today’s update, we wanted to highlight cooperative measures taking place across agencies, including Metrolinx, to keep the supply chain moving. That includes helping truckers, who are vital champions of moving needed supplies and food in Ontario.

Metrolinx is now answering the province’s call to help support truck drivers during the COVID-19 outbreak. These drivers are working long hours, day and night delivering the most essential supplies needed by all Ontario families.

A place to rest:

That’s why starting Thursday, April 9, Metrolinx is joining the Ministry of Transportation by providing commercial vehicle operators with six (6) new rest stops, strategically located along major highways and trucking routes.

• Hwy 407 & Trafalgar – Park n Ride lot (Trafalgar off Hwy 407)
• Mayfield and 50 – Park n Ride lot (Hwy 7 of Hwy 427)
• Hwy 400 & 9 – Park n Ride lot (Hwy 9 off Hwy 400)
• Hwy 404 & Queensville – Park n Ride lot (Queensville Side Rd off Hwy 404)
• Pickering GO Station – Sandy Beach lot only (Brock Road off Hwy 401)
• Newcastle – Park n Ride lot (Hwy 2 off Hwy 115 )

These temporary rest stops will provide commercial drivers with a safe, clean place to pull off the highway, wash their hands and use a washroom.

GO services will continue to operate as scheduled and customers will still be able to access these six designated GO Transit properties.

Here how they will look at the lots:

These new temporary rest areas for commercial drivers will be signed and clearly defined within specific areas of each lot using traffic cones and GO Transit customers will continue to have access to free parking on a first-come, first-served basis at each of these six locations. As always, customers can park in any space for a maximum of 48 hours.

There will also be additional garbage and recycling receptacles available at each location for commercial drivers to use.

Metrolinx will continue working closely with the Ministry of Transportation to monitor the use of these temporary rest stops and make adjustments if needed.

The COVID pandemic is unprecedented and the situation extremely fluid and Metrolinx truly believes we are all in this together.

Customers or truck drivers looking for additional information can reach out to the GO Transit Contact Centre: 1-888-438-6646

Additionally, our Transit Safety team is available to respond to emergencies 24-hours a day: 1-877-297-0642

Keeping staff safe:

Public health experts continue to learn more and more about the transmission of COVID-19, and every new insight helps Metrolinx keep our staff and customers safe.

This knowledge includes health screening procedures to ensure critical functions, such as bus and rail operations, as well as the NOC (Network Operations Centre), continue to work well.

Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.

(April 3) Due to a temporary but significant reduction in the number of GO Transit passengers, at least 90 per cent on all routes due to COVID-19 measures, another reduction in service has now been announced.

These changes will take place on April 8.

The further reduction will ensure GO Transit has a sustainable plan for the duration of this emergency, including enough staff on hand to keep customers moving to the essential places they need to be. Less equipment to clean, fuel and maintain makes it easier for us to offer reliable services over the weeks to come, as well.

We are also monitoring the numbers closely to ensure we can maintain physical distancing on all of our vehicles and routes.

Here are some of the details in the new temporary reductions:

• GO train lines will operate every 60-90 minutes at times of day they generally have service. Most stations will continue to be served – just less frequently.   ​
  • Staff will monitor all routes closely, and have the ability to add more service if required.
• Bus service will also be reduced and adjusted to align with train service. We will monitor these changes closely and have the ability to add buses quickly, if required.

• UP service will continue to operate every 30 minutes. ​
• As well, look below for some of the other changes we’ve made to keep customers and our staff safe

It’s important to plan ahead and keep checking GO Transit’s schedule page. You can find those at the top of this page.

Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.

(March 31)

(Editor’s note: A graphic was deleted on July 23, 2020, as it was outdated.)

Arriving into Toronto and feeling unwell?

If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 after arriving from travel (international or domestic), you are not permitted on GO Transit or UP Express.

An abundance of visibility

Two Metrolinx employees have tested positive for COVID-19; as a large organization this is not unexpected, but it is still upsetting to hear for our colleagues. Our staff members are recovering at home.

Although we have had contractors test positive, such as a Bombardier train operator and customers on our system also come down with COVID, these are our first Metrolinx staff. This virus’ reach is extremely broad and we are reminded daily of the risks.

Our goal is to limit COVID’s reach into our organization through social distancing (like working from home, quarantining those who have travelled or have been exposed, and protecting frontline staff as much as possible), paying close attention to disinfection and infection control practices, and good hand hygiene.

And like everyone else, staff stay home if they are sick.

Therefore, we have greatly minimized the risk of transmission. A good reminder to all of us – staying at home works to flatten the curve of transmission.

None of these staff work directly with customers or the public. Since the public is not at risk of transmission, why are we telling you?

In all cases to date at Metrolinx, the transmission of the virus was very limited because of social distancing. So if you need any guidance that it works, this is another good reminder to stay home.

It is also about transparency and rumour control.

The Metrolinx crisis communication plan is built on principles that we adhere to as we manage the day to day tasks in the emergency operations centre.

• Those principles recognize how critically important it is that both staff and customers receive frequent, transparent, factual and accurate information in real time. Every circumstance related to a positive case of COVID involving our customers, staff or contractors is unique. The communication approach for each is also unique and developed in conjunction with public health officials and senior management at Metrolinx that also respect personal privacy.
• Ultimately, our transparent crisis communication approach builds trust and protects the health and safety of our customers and staff.

Want to read more about our emergency command centre? Just click here for the story.

(March 26) Our latest update includes innovative ways Metrolinx is protecting our frontline employees – those staff who are the critical hearts and hands who keep our transit system moving so other essential workers can get to their needed jobs.

It also means reaching out – in a safe way – to support the work of local health care workers.

Here’s how those measures are shaping up.

Bus driver screens, face shields and masks:

• We are adding extra layers of protection between our drivers and the public.
• That includes work to quickly add plexiglass shields to our GO Transit buses. Those new barriers will give our drivers a protected enclosure and distance from any customers who might be sick.
• We are rolling out face shields for our drivers who would like them. They will protect the eyes as well as mouth and nose, and are quick and easy to put on and take off. As well, they don’t need a fit test, and drivers won’t need to shave their facial hair to get the full protection. Drivers with airport routes and going to health care facilities will be prioritized.
• These additional measures, along with no longer accepting cash fares, not having drivers handle luggage and blocking the seat behind the driver, are all added layers of protection for our drivers.

Supporting health care workers:

• We are also playing a role in assisting health care workers. The masks Metrolinx previously stocked will be used by doctors, nurses and other front line health care workers.
• We delivered the masks on March 25.
• The clinical supplies donation included 18,000 respirators and filters.

Shorter trains:

• Some trains are being shortened in order to make better use of our resources while ridership is low. You may need to adjust where you wait on the platform depending on your station.

(March 24) Given that public health officials are urging everyone to practice physical distancing whenever possible to minimize the opportunity for transmission of COVID-19, Metrolinx station staff have now removed benches and blocked off seating areas inside Union Station’s York Concourse.

For those who would normally use the facility daily – a hub of human traffic – it’s an unusual sight to see the benches moved aside.

Our team also continues to thoroughly clean all of our trains, buses and stations each day (see that story below).

We have also ensured there is now hand-sanitizer in all buses and stations.

(March 23) Starting tomorrow (March 24), we’re making changes to how we provide some of our services during the COVID-19 outbreak:

We’ll no longer accept cash on buses and at ticket counters

For the health and safety of our staff, we will not accept cash at ticket counters or on our buses.

We ask that you buy your fare or load your PRESTO card using our self-serve options.  You can:

• Load your PRESTO card instantly with the PRESTO App directly from your phone. More than 90 per cent of GO customers already use PRESTO.
• Use cash at ticket vending machines at stations to buy tickets, load your PRESTO card and, at some locations, buy a new PRESTO card. We’re taking extra care to regularly clean all of our PRESTO self-service machines.
• Ticket vending machines at Long Branch, West Harbour, Oshawa Bus Terminal, Mimico, and one machine at Bloor, do not accept cash.
• Sign up for a My PRESTO Account and use the Auto Load feature which instantly and automatically adds funds to your card when the balance gets below a set amount.
• Buy an e-ticket

Change for our Lost and Found office

The Lost and Found at Union Station will be closed and services will be available for critical items only until further notice. If you’ve lost an item while traveling on GO, fill out the online Lost and Found form as usual, and if your item has been found, our office will call you to schedule an appointment for pick up.

Station staff will work from behind the ticket counter

To protect our station staff and to practice social distancing, our station attendants will assist customers from behind the ticket counters and won’t be roaming around stations. Remember, we won’t accept cash at ticket counters, but you can use cash at the ticket vending machines.

 Stowing luggage on buses

You’ll be responsible for loading and unloading your luggage from buses. Drivers will continue opening and closing the exterior luggage compartment.

 Remember, support persons can travel for free

If you require assistance while using GO, remember that support persons who travel with you can travel for free. Learn more about support person travel here.

Find out how Metrolinx is responding to COVID-19 and visit GOtransit.com/covid19

Sanitizing Measures Taken

As every citizen is being asked to sanitize their hands, cleaning crews have taken on a slightly bigger task.

They’re now finishing thoroughly treating more than 1,000 individual pieces of GO Transit and UP Express train equipment – including every locomotive and coach that essential passengers still count on.

(Editor’s note – April 20) Metrolinx would like to make it clear that the AegisMicrobe Shield product that is being used on vehicles and stations is not meant to disinfect surfaces or kill viruses. The product provides a barrier that prevents the future growth of bacteria, mould and yeast. It is one of the many additional measures we have taken to help keep our staff and customers safe and healthy.

Here’s how it’s looked – by the numbers. There are 73 train sets available daily to support the GO Transit Rail Service. That’s 726 coaches, and 73 locomotives ready every day – in total adding up to more than 1,024 pieces of rail equipment.

(Editor’s note – April 20) Metrolinx would like to make it clear that the AegisMicrobe Shield product that is being used on vehicles and stations is not meant to disinfect surfaces or kill viruses. The product provides a barrier that prevents the future growth of bacteria, mould and yeast. It is one of the many additional measures we have taken to help keep our staff and customers safe and healthy.

Now, along with buses, all trains have been wiped down – that’s meant railings, seats, posts, handles and anything that could be touched – using a special long-acting anti-microbial agent. That work goes back years, to when that cleaning solution was first identified by Rob Fuller, Metrolinx’s director of rail services, as something that could offer an extra layer of protection for customers and staff.

Renewed testing on a train began on Feb. 6, weeks before there were any reports of COVID-19 in Ontario.

The application job, since then, has been mammoth, and involved the cooperation of teams from GO Transit Maintenance, Bombardier and Natsco. Every piece of equipment had to be tracked down – then the team went into action applying the solution to the train set.

In fact, all of Metrolinx’s bus facilities – including office spaces and high touch surfaces – have also been treated with the anti-microbial agent.

The crews who did that work showed up, as most of society have been told to stay home.

“I can’t say enough good things about the commitment of this entire team who spent countless hours planning, organizing and executing – successfully delivering a safer environment for our customers commute or for the staff to work on,” said Fuller.

“They have demonstrated their commitment to our customers and Metrolinx by their flawless execution of the plan.”

(March 19) We have a good story on how GO Transit has reacted to health care officials, as well as other front line workers, reaching out with a need to access early morning routes impacted by the temporary change to schedules this week.

The quick reaction includes a return of some train services that were impacted. Hear one health care worker’s full story, and GO Transit’s detailed measures in response, by clicking here.

(March 18) Remember, your new temporary GO Transit schedules begin today.

As well, to help further protect Metrolinx front line staff and to encourage social distancing, customers may notice some changes when boarding your GO train, particularly on the accessibility coach:

• GO Customer Service Ambassadors will be making on-train announcements advising customers that the accessibility coach is intended for people with mobility needs and those that need it most.
• We encourage customers that don’t require the ramp up to the accessibility coach to use other doors as the ramp will only be deployed for those that require assistance getting on board.
• For those customers that need the accessibility coach, you will notice Velcro straps are setup to create a safe distance between customers and our staff.
• Seating on board the accessibility coach will be still be available, but to proceed upstairs you’ll need board the accessibility coach at the door opposite of the Customer Service Ambassador.