Editing GO Transit

{{Short description|Regional public transit system in Ontario}}
{{About|the transit system in Ontario|the transit system in Wisconsin|GO Transit (Wisconsin)|the transit system in North Carolina|GoTransit (North Carolina)}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=November 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2012}}
{{Infobox public transit
| name = GO Transit
| image = [[File:GO Transit logo.svg|200px|class=skin-invert]]
| image2 = GO Transit collage 2017.png
| imagesize2 = 300px
| caption3 = A GO Train and a GO Bus at [[Union Station (Toronto)|Union Station]].
| owner = [[Metrolinx]]
| operator = [[Alstom]]
| marks = GOT
| host = [[Canadian National Railway]]<br />[[Canadian Pacific Kansas City]]<br />[[Metrolinx]]
| locale = [[Golden Horseshoe]]
| transit_type = [[Commuter rail]]<br />[[Intercity bus service]]
| headquarters = [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], Canada<ref>{{Cite web |title=Contact Us |publisher=GO Transit |url=http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/aboutus/contactus.aspx |access-date=10 March 2017 |archive-date=March 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331225641/http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/aboutus/contactus.aspx }}</ref>
| key_people = {{plainlist|
* Michael Lindsay (Interim President & CEO)<ref name="exec">{{Cite web |title=Metrolinx Senior Management Team |publisher=Metrolinx |url=https://www.metrolinx.com/en/aboutus/seniormanagementteam/senior_management_team.aspx|access-date=April 4, 2025}}</ref>
* Martin Gallagher ([[Chief operating officer|COO]])<ref name="exec" />
}}
| began_operation = {{Start date and age|1967|05|23}}<ref name="GO Numbers" />
| lines = 7 rail + 39 bus
| stations = 71 rail<br />15 bus + numerous stops<ref name="GO Numbers" />
| vehicles = 96 locomotives<br />979 passenger coaches<br />752 buses:<br /><ul><li>269 (single-level)</li><li>248 ([[Double-decker bus|double decker]])<ref name="2019 Facts">{{Cite web|date=April 2019|title=GO Transit: Fact Sheet|url=https://www.gotransit.com/static_files/gotransit/assets/pdf/AboutUs/WhatIsGO/GO_InfoToGo_April%202019_EN.pdf|access-date=18 Oct 2021|website=GO Transit|archive-date=March 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327032623/https://www.gotransit.com/static_files/gotransit/assets/pdf/AboutUs/WhatIsGO/GO_InfoToGo_April%202019_EN.pdf}}</ref></li></ul>
| daily_ridership  = {{American transit ridership|ON Toronto GO total daily}} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}
| annual_ridership = {{American transit ridership|ON Toronto GO total annual}} ({{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}
| system_length = {{convert|532.3|km|mi|0}} (rail)<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20180802223430/https://www.gotransit.com/static_files/gotransit/assets/pdf/AboutUs/WhatIsGO/GO_InfoToGo_06-21-ENG.pdf</ref><ref>https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/go-train-service-between-london-and-toronto-ending-this-fall-as-via-rail-returns-1.6894985</ref><br />{{convert|2776|km|mi|0}} (bus)<ref name="GO Numbers" />
| track_gauge = {{RailGauge|standard|allk=on}}
| website = {{URL|www.gotransit.com}}
| start = Union Station Toronto
| end = Various terminal stations
}}

'''GO Transit''' is a regional [[public transport|public transit system]] serving the Greater [[Golden Horseshoe]] region of [[Ontario]], Canada. With its hub at [[Union Station (Toronto)|Union Station]] in [[Toronto]], GO Transit's green-and-white [[GO Transit rail services|trains]] and [[GO Transit bus services|buses]] serve a population of more than seven million across an area over {{convert|11,000|sqkm}} stretching from [[Kitchener, Ontario|Kitchener]] in the west to [[Peterborough, Ontario|Peterborough]] in the east, and from [[Barrie]] in the north to [[Niagara Falls, Ontario|Niagara Falls]] in the south. In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the system had a ridership of {{American transit ridership|ON Toronto GO total annual}}. GO Transit operates [[diesel locomotive|diesel-powered]] [[Bilevel rail car|double-decker trains]] and [[coach bus]]es, on routes that connect with all local and some long-distance inter-city transit services in its service area.<ref name="GO Numbers">{{Cite web|date=June 2018|title=GO transit Fact Sheet|url=https://www.gotransit.com/static_files/gotransit/assets/pdf/AboutUs/WhatIsGO/GO_InfoToGo_06-21-ENG.pdf|access-date=August 2, 2018|publisher=GO Transit|archive-date=August 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802223430/https://www.gotransit.com/static_files/gotransit/assets/pdf/AboutUs/WhatIsGO/GO_InfoToGo_06-21-ENG.pdf}}</ref>

GO Transit began regular passenger service on May 23, 1967, as a part of the [[Ministry of Transportation of Ontario|Ontario Ministry of Transportation]]. Since then, it has grown from a single train line to seven lines.<ref name="GO Numbers" /> GO Transit has been constituted in a variety of public-sector configurations. Today, it is an operating division of [[Metrolinx]], a [[Crown agency (Ontario)|provincial Crown agency]] with overall responsibility for integrative [[transportation planning]] within the [[Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area]]<ref name="Metrolinx">{{Cite web |title=Metrolinx Overview |publisher=[[Metrolinx]] |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/aboutus/metrolinxoverview/metrolinx_overview.aspx |access-date=1 July 2011}}</ref> and is projected to grow dramatically with electrification, increased frequency and new stations through the [[GO Expansion]], which is scheduled to be completed in phases through 2025–2032.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=GO Expansion |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/greaterregion/projects/go-expansion.aspx |access-date=November 25, 2018 |website=Metrolinx.com}}</ref>
{{TOC limit|limit=3}}

== History ==
{{Main|History of GO Transit}}

=== Early days ===
Cities in and around the [[Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area]] (GTHA) expanded greatly during the 1950s, influenced by growth in immigration and industrialization. Much of the existing commuter service was provided by the [[Canadian National Railway]] (CN), which faced mounting pressure to expand its service beyond the Lakeshore trains it ran between [[Hamilton, Ontario|Hamilton]] in the west and Danforth in the east, to Toronto; however, CN lacked the financial and physical capital to do this. Real improved commuter service was not considered until the 1962 Metropolitan Toronto and Region Transportation Study, which examined land use and traffic in the newly created [[Metropolitan Toronto]]. The idea of GO Transit was created out of fear of becoming lost in years of planning; it was "approached as a test, but recognized to be a permanent service".{{sfnp|Sergeant|2004|loc=&nbsp;Ch.2: Setting the Scene.}} In May 1965, the government of Ontario granted permission to proceed with the launch of Canada's first specially-designed commuter rail service, at a cost of {{CA$|9.2 million|link=yes}} (${{Format price|{{Inflation|CA|9200000|1965}}}} in {{Inflation-year|CA}} dollars).<ref name="GO60">{{cite web |url=http://goingstrong.gotransit.com/en/1960.html |title=GO 50 Years Going Strong – 1960s |publisher=Metrolinx |access-date=26 January 2018 |archive-date=January 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113134603/http://goingstrong.gotransit.com/en/1960.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Creation, growth and recession ===
{{multiple image
| align     = left
| direction = vertical
| image1    = Oakville GO Train 1968.jpg
| image2    = GO Train at Rouge Hill August 1977.jpg
| width     = 200
| footer    = Single-level GO Transit trains from the 1960s and 1970s.
}}
Government of Ontario Transit (later shortened to "GO Transit") started as a three-year long experiment on May 23, 1967, running single-deck trains powered by diesel locomotives in [[Push–pull train|push-pull configuration]] on a single rail line along [[Lake Ontario]]'s shoreline.<ref name="TT Lake">Garcia et al.: Lakeshore corridor</ref>{{sfnp|Sergeant|2004|loc=&nbsp;Ch.4: Buying the trains.}} GO Train service ran throughout the day from [[Oakville, Ontario|Oakville]] to [[Pickering, Ontario|Pickering]] with limited rush hour train service to Hamilton. The experiment proved to be extremely popular; GO Transit carried its first million riders during its first four months, and averaged 15,000 per day soon after. This line, now divided as the [[Lakeshore East line|Lakeshore East]] and [[Lakeshore West line]]s, is the keystone corridor of GO Transit.<ref name="TT Lake" /> Expansion of rail service continued in the 1970s and 1980s, aimed at developing ridership in with the introduction of the Georgetown (now [[Kitchener line|Kitchener]]) line in 1974 and the Richmond Hill line in 1978.<ref name="TT George">Garcia et al.: Georgetown corridor</ref><ref name="TT Main">Garcia et al.: Regional Transit Routes</ref> The Milton GO Train line opened in 1981, followed by the Bradford (now [[Barrie line|Barrie]]) and [[Stouffville line|Stouffville]] lines a year later, establishing GO Transit's present-day service of seven rail corridors.<ref name="TT Main" />

Other than establishing new rail corridors, GO Transit introduced the [[Bombardier BiLevel Coach]]es in 1978, in order to increase the number of passengers carried per train. These unique rail cars were developed in partnership with [[Bombardier Transportation]].<ref name="Bilevel">{{Cite web |title=BiLevel Coaches in Canada and the USA |publisher=[[Bombardier Transportation]] |url=http://www.bombardier.com/en/transportation/products-services?docID=0901260d80020fe1 |access-date=13 July 2012}}</ref> One year later, in 1979, the former Bay Street GO concourse at Union Station was built to accommodate these additional passengers. GO Bus service began on September 8, 1970, extending the original Lakeshore line to Hamilton and Oshawa, as well as providing service north to Newmarket and Barrie. It eventually became a full-fledged network in its own right after 1989, feeding rail service and serving communities beyond the reach of existing trains.<ref name="GO Bus 500">{{Cite web |title=GO keeps Growing – we now have 500 buses on the road to serve you better |publisher=GO Transit |url=http://www.gotransit.com/Public/en/news/newbuses.aspx |access-date=10 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108002700/http://www.gotransit.com/Public/en/news/newbuses.aspx |archive-date=January 8, 2017 }}</ref>

Near the end of 1982, Ontario Minister of Transportation and Communications [[James W. Snow]] announced the launch of [[GO-ALRT]] (Advanced Light Rail Transit), an interregional [[light rail]] transit program providing $2.6 billion (1980 dollars) of infrastructure.<ref name="TT ALRT">Garcia et al.: GO ALRT</ref> Although this plan was not implemented, certain key objectives from it were established in other ways: additional stations were built, all-day service to [[Whitby, Ontario|Whitby]] and [[Burlington, Ontario|Burlington]] was established and networks of buses and trains interconnected the network.<ref name="TT ALRT" />

GO extended limited rush hour train service on the Bradford, Georgetown and both Lakeshore lines and began offering off-peak service on the Milton line in 1990. Train service was also extended to Burlington on the Lakeshore West line in 1992.<ref name="TT Lake" /><ref name="TT George" /><ref name="TT Brad">Garcia et al.: Bradford corridor</ref> In a series of cost-cutting measures, then–[[Premier of Ontario|Ontario Premier]] [[Bob Rae]] announced a "temporary" reduction in spending on services, causing all of the expansions of the 1990s to be reduced or eliminated.<ref name="TT Brad" />

=== Reconfiguration and revival ===
[[File:Georgetown GO Train Eastbound.jpg|thumb|A typical GO Transit train with [[Bombardier BiLevel Coach]]es]]
All day train service was restored from Burlington to Whitby, and peak service was finally brought to Oshawa in 2000. A large initiative to expand the GO Transit network, under the ''GO Transit Rail Improvement Plan'', or ''[[History of GO Transit#GO TRIP|GO TRIP]]'', started in the mid-2000s. [[Canadian dollar|C$]]1{{nbsp}}billion was invested in multiple rail and bus projects, making it the largest commuter rail project in Canadian history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GO Transit Rail Improvement Program (GO TRIP) |publisher=Transport Canada |url=http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/programs/surface-transit-projects-go-1010.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630154454/http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/programs/surface-transit-projects-go-1010.htm |archive-date=30 June 2013 |date=23 April 2001 |access-date=10 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Award Of Excellence – Project Management GO Transit Rail Improvements |publisher=Canadian Consulting Engineer |url=http://www.canadianconsultingengineer.com/news/award-of-excellence-project-management-go-transit-rail-improvements/1000742547/ |access-date=10 November 2016}}</ref> This was later dwarfed by a further slate of new GO infrastructure proposed in [[MoveOntario 2020]], the provincial transit plan announced by Premier [[Dalton McGuinty]] in the leadup to the [[2007 Ontario general election|2007 provincial election]]. With re-investment in regional transit, GO experienced growth in its train network: all day service was restored to Oshawa in 2006 and [[Aldershot GO Station|Aldershot]] in 2007; service was expanded to [[Barrie South GO Station|Barrie South]] in 2007, to [[Old Elm GO Station|Lincolnville]] in 2008, to [[Kitchener railway station|Kitchener]] in 2011,<ref name="Guelph">{{cite news |url=http://www.guelphmercury.com/news/local/article/630377--next-stop-guelph-go-train-service-starts-dec-19 |title=Next stop, Guelph! GO Train service starts Dec. 19 |publisher=Guelph Mercury |date=25 November 2011 |access-date=27 November 2011}}</ref> to [[Gormley GO Station|Gormley]] in 2016, to [[Bloomington GO Station|Bloomington]] in 2021, and an excursion train operated on summer weekends to [[Niagara Falls, Ontario railway station|Niagara Falls]]. This service was later expanded to all year round.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gotransit.com/en/trip-planning/go-service-updates/train-schedule-changes|title=Train Schedule Changes {{pipe}} Service Updates {{pipe}} GO Transit}}</ref>

GO Transit also went through three major reconfigurations. In January 1997, the province announced it would transfer funding responsibility for GO Transit to GTHA municipalities. The Greater Toronto Services Board, composed of regional municipality chairs, city mayors and municipal councillors, was created as a municipal agency in January 1999, and GO Transit became an arm of this agency in August 1999. However, then-Premier [[Mike Harris]] announced the province would re-assume funding responsibility for GO Transit two years later, and this was completed with the abolition of the Greater Toronto Services Board on January 1, 2002.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Remarks By Gary Mcneil, Managing Director, GO Transit |publisher=Transit Toronto |url=http://transit.toronto.on.ca/regional/2004.shtml |date=23 April 2001 |access-date=10 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Provincial-Municipal Relations in Ontario: Approaching an Infection Point |publisher=Munk School of Global Affairs |url=http://munkschool.utoronto.ca/imfg/uploads/275/1560_imfg_no_17_online_full_colour.pdf |date=2014 |access-date=10 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=GO Transit History |publisher=Get Toronto Moving Transportation Committee |url=https://www.gettorontomoving.ca/go-transit-history.html |access-date=10 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008170424/http://www.gettorontomoving.ca/go-transit-history.html |archive-date=October 8, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The Greater Toronto Transportation Authority was created in 2006, with the responsibilities of co-ordinating, planning, financing and developing integrated transit in the GTHA. This agency was merged with GO Transit in 2009 under the name Metrolinx. GO Transit continued as an operating division alongside two other major initiatives: the [[Union Pearson Express]] and [[Presto card]].

=== Future ===
As part of the [[2011 Ontario general election|2011 provincial election]], [[Premier of Ontario|Premier]] [[Dalton McGuinty]] made a campaign pledge to provide two-way, full-day train service on all corridors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ontarioliberal.ca/OurPlan/pdf/platform_english.pdf |title=The Ontario Liberal Plan 2011–2015 |publisher=[[Ontario Liberal Party]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512045229/http://www.ontarioliberal.ca/OurPlan/pdf/platform_english.pdf |archive-date=May 12, 2012 |access-date=30 July 2013}}</ref> Metrolinx continues to plan for this service expansion, which is now known as [[GO Expansion]]. Part of Metrolinx's [[The Big Move|Big Move regional transportation plan]], it is estimated to cost $4.9 billion and serve 30{{nbsp}}million additional riders by 2031.<ref name="BigMove expand">{{cite web |url=http://www.bigmove.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/NxWave_GO2WAD.pdf |title=GO Rail Service Expansion: More Two-Way All-Day & Rush Hour Service |publisher=Metrolinx |access-date=20 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203011902/http://www.bigmove.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/NxWave_GO2WAD.pdf |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Other possible future rail service extensions identified in GO Transit's 2020 plan include [[Regional Municipality of Niagara|Niagara Region]], [[Bolton, Ontario|Bolton]], [[Brantford]], [[Peterborough, Ontario|Peterborough]] and [[Uxbridge, Ontario|Uxbridge]].<ref name="GO2020" /> Metrolinx also announced plans in January 2011 to [[Railway electrification system|electrify]] the Lakeshore West, Lakeshore East and Kitchener rail lines, as well as the [[Union Pearson Express]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gotransit.com/electrification/en/current_study/docs/ElectrificationStaffReportJanuary26.pdf |title=Board Report: GO Electrification Study |publisher=Metrolinx |date=26 January 2011 |access-date=29 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053317/http://www.gotransit.com/electrification/en/current_study/docs/ElectrificationStaffReportJanuary26.pdf |archive-date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref>

In 2021, Metrolinx announced a pilot service to [[London, Ontario]], with one train towards Toronto in the morning and one train returning to London in the evening.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/go-train-london-toronto-1.6176351|title=GO trains to run between London and Toronto with stops in between
|publisher=CBC|date=15 September 2021 |access-date=16 September 2021 }}</ref>  At this time, the Presto card cannot be used for such trips and riders must pre-purchase digital tickets in advance.

Improvements are being made to [[Union Station (Toronto)|Union Station]], which is the busiest passenger transportation facility in Canada, and is expected to have its current passenger traffic double in the next 10 to 15 years.<ref name="Toronto Front">{{cite web |url=http://www.toronto.ca/involved/projects/frontunion/index.htm |title=Changes to Front Street at Union Station |publisher=City of Toronto |access-date=1 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110914185502/http://www.toronto.ca/involved/projects/frontunion/index.htm |archive-date=September 14, 2011 |df=mdy}}</ref> Improvements underway include a new roof and glass atrium covering the platforms and railway tracks, new passenger concourses, additional staircases and vertical access points and general visual improvements to the station.<ref name="City Union overview">{{cite web |url=http://www.toronto.ca/union_station/revitalization.htm |title=Union Station Revitalization |publisher=City of Toronto |access-date=1 July 2011}}</ref><ref name="makeover">{{cite news |url=https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/toronto-s-union-station-in-store-for-a-makeover-1.419637 |title=Toronto's Union Station in store for a makeover |work=CTV News |date=24 July 2011 |access-date=1 July 2011}}</ref> Other longer term options such as a second downtown station and/or connections to a future [[Relief Line (Toronto)|Relief Subway Line]] are also being studied to meet future demand.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/docs/pdf/board_agenda/20111123/November%2023%202011_Presentation_Union%20Station%202031%20and%20Related%20Planning%20Studies%20-%20FINAL%20%28DS%29.pdf |title=Union Station 2031 and Related Planning Studies |publisher=Metrolinx |date=23 November 2011 |access-date=29 July 2013 |archive-date=March 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331194238/http://www.metrolinx.com/en/docs/pdf/board_agenda/20111123/November%2023%202011_Presentation_Union%20Station%202031%20and%20Related%20Planning%20Studies%20-%20FINAL%20%28DS%29.pdf }}</ref>

GO Transit is currently [[GO Expansion|undergoing a major expansion project]] to improve train service. The project will [[electrification|electrify]] the [[Lakeshore East line|Lakeshore East]], [[Barrie line|Barrie]], and [[Stouffville line|Stouffville]] lines, the [[Lakeshore West line|Lakeshore West]] line as far as Burlington, the [[Kitchener line|Kitchener]] line as far as Bramalea,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Metrolinx - GO Electrification |url=https://www.metrolinx.com/en/projects-and-programs/go-expansion-studies/go-electrification |access-date=2023-11-19 |website=www.metrolinx.com}}</ref> and increase train frequency on various lines to 15 minutes or better on these corridors, with several new stations being built both within [[Toronto]] and throughout the [[Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area|GTHA]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Metrolinx-2022/04/13">{{cite web |date=April 13, 2022 |title=GO Expansion explained – What it means for you |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2022/04/13/go-expansion-explained-what-it-means-for-you/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413180950/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2022/04/13/go-expansion-explained-what-it-means-for-you/ |archive-date=April 13, 2022 |publisher=[[Metrolinx]]}}</ref> It will also bring all-day, two-way service to the inner portions of the Barrie, Kitchener and Stouffville lines.<ref name=":0" /> GO Transit will increase the number of train trips per week from 1,500 (as of 2015) to about 2,200 by 2020 and expand to 10,500 weekly trips upon completion.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=April 21, 2022 |title=GO Expansion deal means faster, greener, GO Train service |work=Metrolinx Blog |publisher=Metrolinx |url=https://www.metrolinx.com/en/discover/go-expansion-deal-means-faster-greener-go-train-service |access-date=May 18, 2024}}</ref> Most of the extra trips will be in off-peak hours and on weekends. The expanded services, new infrastructure and electrification is projected to roll out in phases between 2025 and 2030. The 10-year regional express rail plan will cost $13.5 billion<ref name="TheStar-2015-04-17">{{cite news |last=Kalinowski |first=Tess |date=April 17, 2015 |title=GO to add almost 50 per cent more trains in next 5 years |newspaper=[[Toronto Star]] |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2015/04/17/go-to-add-30-per-cent-more-trains-in-next-5-years-s.html |access-date=March 30, 2016}}</ref> and will require {{convert|150|km}} of new track, including new bridges and tunnels.<ref name="G&M-2016-03-14">{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Oliver |date=March 14, 2016 |title=Toronto's grand transit plan (maybe, hopefully) |newspaper=[[The Globe and Mail]] |publisher=The Globe and Mail Inc. |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/torontos-grand-transit-plan-maybehopefully/article29194407/ |access-date=August 12, 2016}}</ref>

Starting January 1, 2025, the consortium ONxpress was to take over the operation and maintenance of the GO Transit train system  from [[Alstom]] in addition to introducing the improvements required for GO Expansion. ONxpress had a division named ONxpress Operations Inc. which consisted of Deutsche Bahn International Operations and Aecon Concessions.<ref name="Metrolinx-2024-01-25">{{cite web |url=https://www.metrolinx.com/en/news/metrolinx-partners-with-onxpress-to-transform-go-transit-service-in-the-region- |title=Metrolinx partners with ONxpress to transform GO Transit service in the region |publisher=[[Metrolinx]] |date=2024-01-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126020817/https://www.metrolinx.com/en/news/metrolinx-partners-with-onxpress-to-transform-go-transit-service-in-the-region- | archive-date=2024-01-26 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> However, by May 2025, Metrolinx and ONxpress mutually agreed to terminate the agreement. Alstom would continue to handle maintenance and operations.<ref name="TheStar-2025-05-16">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/metrolinx-quietly-drops-deutsche-bahn-aecon-from-multibillion-dollar-go-expansion-project/article_e852345d-a0e9-48ed-87bc-ab13ae78314e.html |title=Metrolinx quietly drops Deutsche Bahn, Aecon from multibillion-dollar GO expansion project |newspaper=[[Toronto Star]] |date=2025-05-16 }}</ref>
{{clear}}

== Service ==
=== Service area ===
[[File:GO Transit service area.png|thumb|Approximate service area of GO Transit in the [[Golden Horseshoe]] region of [[Southern Ontario]]]]
GO Transit primarily serves the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area–the cities of [[Toronto]] and [[Hamilton, Ontario|Hamilton]] and the surrounding regions of [[Regional Municipality of Halton|Halton]], [[Regional Municipality of Peel|Peel]], [[Regional Municipality of York|York]] and [[Regional Municipality of Durham|Durham]]. GO Transit's lines extend into the nearby [[Regional Municipality of Niagara|Niagara]] and [[Regional Municipality of Waterloo|Waterloo]] Regions, the cities of [[Brantford, Ontario|Brantford]] and [[Peterborough County|Peterborough]], and [[Simcoe County|Simcoe]], [[Dufferin County|Dufferin]] and [[Wellington County, Ontario|Wellington]] counties<ref name="GO Numbers" />—an area largely coextensive with the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Under the provincial charter, GO Transit is permitted to serve cities elsewhere in Ontario, but has no plans of doing so.

In total, GO trains and buses serve a population of 7{{nbsp}}million in an {{convert|11000|km2}} area radiating in places more than {{convert|140|km}} from downtown Toronto. Present extrema are [[Brantford, Ontario|Brantford]] and [[Kitchener, Ontario|Kitchener]] to the west; [[Orangeville, Ontario|Orangeville]], Barrie to the north; [[Peterborough, Ontario|Peterborough]] and [[Newcastle, Ontario|Newcastle]] to the east; and [[Niagara Falls, Ontario|Niagara Falls]] to the south.<ref name="GO Numbers" />

The GO system map shows seven train lines (or corridors), all departing from Toronto's [[Union Station (Toronto)|Union Station]] and mostly named respectively after the outer terminus (or former terminus) of train service:
:{{rint|gotransit|rail|A|x|size=25}} [[Lakeshore West line|Lakeshore West]] (to [[Hamilton, Ontario|Hamilton]] and [[Niagara Falls, Ontario|Niagara Falls]], with buses to [[Brantford, Ontario|Brantford]])
:{{rint|gotransit|rail|B|x|size=25}} [[Lakeshore East line|Lakeshore East]] (to [[Oshawa]], with buses to [[Bowmanville]] and [[Peterborough, Ontario|Peterborough]])
:{{rint|gotransit|rail|C|x|size=25}} [[Milton line|Milton]]
:{{rint|gotransit|rail|D|x|size=25}} [[Kitchener line|Kitchener]]
:{{rint|gotransit|rail|E|x|size=25}} [[Barrie line|Barrie]]
:{{rint|gotransit|rail|F|x|size=25}} [[Richmond Hill line|Richmond Hill]] (to [[Oak Ridges, Ontario|Oak Ridges]])
:{{rint|gotransit|rail|G|x|size=25}} [[Stouffville line|Stouffville]] (to [[Lincolnville, Ontario|Lincolnville]], with buses to [[Uxbridge, Ontario|Uxbridge]])

Although colours are assigned in a consistent fashion to each line in all official media, in colloquial parlance lines are only ever referred to by their names. Buses are numbered in blocks of 10, corresponding to the nearest train line, with the 40s and 50s reserved for express services along the [[407 ETR]] corridor which does not have a corresponding train line.

=== Operations ===
==== Rail ====
{{Main|GO Transit rail services}}
[[File:Lakeshore West GO Train Westbound.jpg|thumb|right|A GO Train along the Lakeshore West line]]

GO Transit's [[commuter rail]] services {{reporting mark|GOT}} carry the large majority of its overall ridership. Until 2012, five GO Train lines operated only during weekday [[rush hour]] periods in the peak direction (inbound towards Union Station in the morning and outbound in the afternoons and early evenings), with off-peak service on these routes being [[Rail replacement bus service|provided solely by buses]]. Since then, hourly off-peak train service or better has been added to 5 of these lines. The present off-peak service is as follows:

*the Lakeshore West and Lakeshore East lines operate half-hourly trains on weekdays off-peak hours and every 15 minutes on weekend afternoons, with weekend service on Lakeshore West extending as far as [[Niagara Falls railway station (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]]. Nearly all trains on the two lines are through-routed, making it possible to travel between [[Aldershot GO Station|Aldershot]] (or Niagara Falls) and [[Oshawa GO Station|Oshawa]] without having to change trains at Union Station.
*the Kitchener line provides hourly, two-way midday and late evening service as far as [[Mount Pleasant GO Station|Mount Pleasant station]] in Brampton on weekdays only, with two off-peak weekday trains going all the way to Kitchener. On weekends, two-way hourly service is provided as far as Mount Pleasant only.
*the Barrie line has all-day weekday and weekend train services along the entire line, although most of them only go as far as [[Aurora GO Station|Aurora]]
*the Stouffville line has hourly midday and late evening service as far as [[Mount Joy GO Station|Mount Joy]] on weekdays only and hourly weekend service in both directions

The Richmond Hill and Milton lines continue to operate during rush hours only, although there has been an increasing number of trips on these lines in recent years. As part of the Regional Express Rail plan, there are plans to eventually offer two-way, all-day 15-minute or better service on the central sections of the remaining five lines.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/docs/pdf/board_agenda/20170628/20170628_BoardMtg_GOServiceExpansion_Report_EN.pdf |title=GO Transit Service Expansion Update |date=June 28, 2017 |website=Metrolinx |access-date=November 1, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107022524/http://www.metrolinx.com/en/docs/pdf/board_agenda/20170628/20170628_BoardMtg_GOServiceExpansion_Report_EN.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Nevertheless, rush-hour service accounts for over 90 per cent of GO Train ridership.<ref name="GO Numbers" />

===== Rolling stock =====
GO Transit's [[rolling stock]] uses [[push-pull train|push-pull equipment]]. Its [[Passenger car (rail)|passenger car]] fleet is composed entirely of [[Bombardier BiLevel Coach]]es built in [[Thunder Bay, Ontario]].<ref name="GO News W11">{{Cite web |title=GO News: Winter 2011 |publisher=GO Transit |url=http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/docs/publications/GO%20News%20EN_WEB.pdf |access-date=24 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103160257/http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/docs/publications/GO%20News%20EN_WEB.pdf |archive-date=January 3, 2012 |df=mdy}}</ref> These [[Bilevel rail car|double-decker coaches]], which have an elongated-octagon shape, were designed in the mid-1970s for GO Transit by [[Hawker Siddeley Canada]] as a more efficient replacement for GO's original single-deck coaches, built by the same company. Later coaches were manufactured by [[Canadian Car and Foundry|Can-Car]]/[[Urban Transportation Development Corporation|UTDC]] and the most recent coaches are produced by [[Bombardier Transportation]] and since acquired by [[Alstom]], which now owns the designs and manufacturing facilities. GO Transit owns 979 BiLevel Coaches. This type of coach is also used by a number of other [[Commuter rail in North America|commuter railways across North America]]. They have a seating capacity of 162  and a standing capacity of 248  per coach, or 5,256 per train (maximum crush load).<ref name="GO Trains">{{Cite web |title=Quick Facts: GO Trains |publisher=GO Transit |url=http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/aboutus/QF_GoTrains_EN_04-15.pdf |access-date=4 April 2015 |archive-date=July 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716044314/http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/aboutus/QF_GoTrains_EN_04-15.pdf }}</ref> All upper levels of the coaches on rush hour trains are designated "Quiet Zones".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome to the Quiet Zone |publisher=GO Transit |url=http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/travelling/quietzone.aspx |access-date=28 July 2013 |archive-date=August 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807063548/http://gotransit.com/public/en/travelling/quietzone.aspx }}</ref>

[[File:GO MP40 604 at Long Branch station.jpg|thumb|right|An [[MP40PH-3C]] locomotive]]
The coaches are primarily hauled by [[MPI MPXpress]] series locomotives. The current model, the 4000-[[horsepower]] MP40PH-3C, is more powerful than its predecessor, the [[EMD F59PH]]. It is capable of pulling or pushing trains of 12 coaches instead of 10.<ref name="GO Trains" /> More than 60 of these locomotives have been ordered since their introduction in 2006, with a further 16 types of an even more powerful model, the 5400-horsepower MP54AC, which can pull a full 12 car train more efficiently. Opposite the locomotive, trains are bookended by [[control car|cab cars]], which are coaches with driver controls incorporated into them. GO Transit upgraded their entire cab car rail fleet with newly designed, more [[Crashworthiness|crashworthy]] cab cars in the summer of 2015, incorporating an improved visibility, safety features and comfort for train crews.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2015/05/14/go-expects-new-look-cab-cars-this-summer.html |title=GO expects new look cab cars this summer |last=Kalinowski |first=Tess |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=14 May 2015 |access-date=10 November 2016}}</ref>

Rolling stock is maintained at the [[Willowbrook Rail Maintenance Facility]], located west of [[Mimico GO Station|Mimico station]] in Toronto and at the newer [[Whitby Rail Maintenance Facility]]. The Willowbrook facility occupies the Willowbrook Yard, a historical freight yard established by [[Grand Trunk Railway]] in 1910. GO Transit acquired the yard from Canadian National sometime after its inception, and built and expanded the Willowbrook facility there to maintain the expanding fleet.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GO Transit's Willowbrook Maintenance Centre |publisher=Transit Toronto |last=Mackenzie |first=Robert |url=http://transit.toronto.on.ca/regional/2304.shtml |access-date=10 November 2016}}</ref> GO Transit built a second maintenance facility covering {{convert|500,000|ft2|ha|abbr=off}} in [[Whitby, Ontario|Whitby]] to accommodate additional trains for its upcoming Regional Express Rail project, and was completed by the end of 2017. A limited number of old cab cars, which resembled standard coaches with the addition of a cab at the end, are still operating, with 15 old cab cars being rebuilt and reintroduced for expanded GO service.<ref>{{Cite web |title=East Rail Maintenance Facility |publisher=GO Transit |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/greaterregion/projects/whitby-rail-maintenance-facility.aspx |access-date=March 3, 2020 |archive-date=May 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502213049/http://www.metrolinx.com/en/greaterregion/projects/whitby-rail-maintenance-facility.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===== Ownership and crews =====
[[File:GO Train at level crossing.webm|thumb|right]]
GO has always owned its locomotives and coaches, but its trackage used to be owned entirely by Canada's two major commercial railways: the large majority by the [[Canadian National Railway]] (CN) and the remainder (the current Milton line) by [[Canadian Pacific Railway]] (CP, now [[CPKC]]). In 1988, as part of expanding service east of Pickering, GO built its first section of self-owned purpose-built trackage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GO Transit's Lakeshore Line |publisher=Transit Toronto |url=http://transit.toronto.on.ca/gotransit/2101.shtml |access-date=28 July 2013}}</ref> From 1998 until 2009, GO owned only six per cent of the railway trackage on which it operated. Starting in 2009, Metrolinx incrementally acquired further trackage from the two commercial railways in order to improve GO service. As of 2014, Metrolinx has complete ownership of the Barrie, Stouffville and Lakeshore East lines, and a majority of the Lakeshore West, Richmond Hill, and Kitchener lines. CPKC still owns most of the Milton line. This puts Metrolinx ownership at 69 percent of GO Transit's trackage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rail Corridor Ownership |publisher=[[Metrolinx]] |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/projectsandprograms/corridorownership/corridor_ownership.aspx |access-date=24 September 2014 |archive-date=October 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001001150/http://www.metrolinx.com/en/projectsandprograms/corridorownership/corridor_ownership.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[File:GO CSA points at Rouge Hill.jpg|thumb|A Customer Service Ambassador points at the doors after closing them at [[Rouge Hill GO Station|Rouge Hill Station]] for safety]]
Each train runs with a three-person crew: two [[Railroad engineer|operators]] control the train from the [[Cab (locomotive)|cab]] at the front end of the train and handle related operations, while a third crew member is the [[Train guard|Customer Service Ambassador]]. Stationed in a designated car in the middle of each train, the Customer Service Ambassador operates the doors and [[wheelchair ramp]], makes station stop announcements, and is dedicated to [[customer service|assisting customers]] on board.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GO Transit 2008–09 Annual Report |publisher=Metrolinx |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/docs/pdf/board_agenda/20090713/Agenda_Item4%28A%29_Approval_of_2008-09_Financial_Statements-GOTransit_Attachment-Annual_Report.pdf |access-date=10 November 2016 |archive-date=February 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224045200/http://www.metrolinx.com/en/docs/pdf/board_agenda/20090713/Agenda_Item4%28A%29_Approval_of_2008-09_Financial_Statements-GOTransit_Attachment-Annual_Report.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Alstom Transport]] is responsible for providing train operations, taking over from Bombardier Transportation in 2021.<ref name="Bombardier deal">{{cite news|date=29 January 2021|title=A transformational step for Alstom: completion of the acquisition of Bombardier Transportation|newspaper=Toronto Star|url=https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2021/1/transformational-step-alstom-completion-acquisition-bombardier|access-date=24 February 2022}}</ref> GO trains achieve on-time performance of approximately 95 per cent,<ref name="GO Board 0613">{{Cite web |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/docs/pdf/board_agenda/20130627/20130627_BoardMtg_GO_Transit_Update_EN.pdf |title=GO Transit President's Board Update |publisher=[[Metrolinx]] |date=27 June 2013 |access-date=28 July 2013 |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203031647/http://www.metrolinx.com/en/docs/pdf/board_agenda/20130627/20130627_BoardMtg_GO_Transit_Update_EN.pdf }}</ref> and a refund will be provided if a train is more than 15 minutes late, with some conditions.<ref name="Service guarantee">{{cite news |url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/11/14/go-transit-riders-eligible-for-full-fare-credit-if-train-delayed-15-minutes/ |title=GO Transit riders eligible for full-fare credit if train delayed 15 minutes |newspaper=National Post |date=14 November 2012 |access-date=14 November 2012}}</ref>

==== Bus ====
{{Main|GO Transit bus services}}
[[File:Front Street in Toronto.JPG|thumb|left|Thousands of passengers move between GO and TTC service at Union Station on Toronto's [[Front Street (Toronto)|Front Street]]]]
GO Bus service consists of a combination of routes, many of which stand in for train service when it is not operating and/or which extend the reach of train service to communities beyond their terminal. Other GO buses are independent of rail services, such as the [[Ontario Highway 407|Highway 407]] series of routes, which provides an orbital-type service that encircles Toronto proper and makes connections between all train lines. There are also routes that serve [[Pearson International Airport]] and seasonal destinations such as several colleges and universities. The vast majority of GO train stations have connecting GO bus service, of which almost all the exceptions are situated within Toronto proper. There are also 16 [[bus station|bus terminals]] served by GO buses, many of which provide local transit connections, as well as [[bus stop|intermediate stops]] and [[ticket agency|ticket agencies]].<ref name="GO Numbers" /><ref name="08/09 Report">{{Cite web |title=GO Transit 2008–09 Annual Report |publisher=GO Transit |url=http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/docs/publications/GO_Annual_Report_2008-09.pdf |access-date=31 May 2011 |archive-date=January 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116040444/http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/docs/publications/GO_Annual_Report_2008-09.pdf }}</ref>

The first buses operated by GO Transit, a suburban variant of the [[GM New Look bus]], were unveiled at [[Queen's Park (Toronto)|Queen's Park]] on August 11, 1970, about a month before commencing operations on its expanded services east, west and north of Toronto.<ref name="busunveiling">{{cite news |url=http://news.ourontario.ca/newmarket/2436242/page/15 |title=GO Transit bus unveiled |newspaper=The Era |date=12 August 1970 |access-date=29 April 2015}}</ref> Operated by [[Gray Coach]],<ref>{{citation |title=GO grows with Newmarket |publisher=The Era |date=16 September 1970}}</ref> a pilot program to test them was conducted in [[Pickering, Ontario|Pickering]] before they entered service on 8 September 1970.<ref name="bustrial">{{cite news |url=http://news.ourontario.ca/newmarket/2436229/page/1 |title=GO buses—but no trains |newspaper=The Era |date=6 May 1970 |access-date=29 April 2015}}</ref> Later buses included a combination of single-door, suburban-type [[transit bus]]es built by [[Orion Bus Industries]] and [[New Flyer Industries|New Flyer]], and single-level [[coach bus|highway coaches]] built by [[Prevost Car]] and [[Motor Coach Industries]] (MCI, now a subsidiary of New Flyer).

Today, GO Transit operates a combination of single-level coach buses and commuter-type [[double-decker bus]]es. All buses are equipped with [[Bicycle carrier|bike racks]] and are [[Wheelchair accessibility|wheelchair accessible]]. Most of the older buses in the fleet are {{convert|45|ft|m|2|adj=on}}, single-level [[MCI 102DL3 & D4500|D4500CT]] coach buses built by [[Motor Coach Industries]], which can seat 57 people and features a [[platform lift]]. The first models of this type entered service in 2001 and orders have continued until 2015. In April 2008, GO began operating {{convert|43|ft|m|2|adj=on}} [[Alexander Dennis Enviro500|Enviro 500]] [[double-decker bus]]es built by British manufacturer [[Alexander Dennis]] in the [[United Kingdom]].<ref name="GO Bus Facts">{{Cite web|title=Quick Facts: GO Buses |publisher=GO Transit |url=http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/docs/publications/Bus.pdf |access-date=24 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103161913/http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/docs/publications/Bus.pdf |archive-date=January 3, 2012 |df=mdy}}</ref> These buses come in three different designs differing mainly in their size and [[Engineering tolerance|height]]. All double deckers have a [[Low-floor bus|low-floor design]] and a wheelchair ramp at the front door.

The first two batches of double deckers have a height of {{convert|4.2|m|ftin|frac=16}}, too tall to meet many height standards set by the provincial [[Ontario Ministry of Transportation|Ministry of Transportation]]. Thus, they are restricted to routes which avoid low [[bridge]]s and [[underpass]]es. In particular, they are found exclusively on routes on the [[Ontario Highway 407|Highway 407]] and [[Ontario Highway 403|Highway 403]] corridors, providing service between Peel and York Regions.<ref name="Markham">{{cite news|first=Sean |last=Pearce |title=Stacking the deck for transit service |url=http://www.yorkregion.com/article/72769 |publisher=Markham Economist and Sun |date=9 April 2008 |access-date=2008-04-11}}</ref><ref name="GO Numbers" />

In 2012, GO ordered new Enviro500 double-decker units for its fleet. Designated as "Go-Anywhere" models, they have a redesigned front end, based on the [[Alexander Dennis Enviro400|Enviro400]] (and which would later form the basis for the global Enviro500 MMC refreshed design), and a height of {{convert|4.1|m|ftin|frac=16}}, {{convert|10|cm|in|frac=16|abbr=on}} lower than the previous models. The lower height allows these buses to meet many more clearance standards as a result and are used on a wider variety of routes, including those that travel on [[Ontario Highway 401|Highway 401]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Kalinowski |first=Tess |title=GO adds new double-deckers that ride a bit lower |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2013/04/03/go_adds_new_doubledeckers_that_ride_a_bit_lower.html |access-date=4 April 2013 |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=Apr 3, 2013}}</ref> Three additional batches of "Go-Anywhere" Enviro500s were ordered until 2015.

Despite the lower height, these buses are still too high to fit in a number of GO terminals, namely [[Hamilton GO Centre|Hamilton]], [[Yorkdale Bus Terminal|Yorkdale]], [[York Mills Bus Terminal|York Mills]], and [[Union Station Bus Terminal|Union Station]]. Beginning in 2016, GO Transit began placing further orders of Enviro500 double-deckers. These buses, designed specifically for the GO Transit network and designated as "Super-Lo", have an even lower height of {{convert|3.9|m|ftin|frac=16}}, low enough to operate on virtually the entire GO bus network.<ref name="NewBusOrder">{{cite news |title=Metrolinx bus purchase to improve service and create jobs |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/aboutus/mediarelations/news/20141124_New_Bus_Purchase.aspx |access-date=26 June 2015 |work=Media Release |agency=Metrolinx |date=24 Nov 2014 |archive-date=June 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626133132/http://www.metrolinx.com/en/aboutus/mediarelations/news/20141124_New_Bus_Purchase.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> They also have a longer length than previous orders, being {{convert|45|ft|m|2|adj=on}} long (the same as its coach buses), and dedicated space for luggage at the rear. The chassis for these vehicles are being locally assembled at a newly established facility in [[Vaughan]], creating up to 30 new full-time jobs.<ref name="NewBusOrder" />

=== Stations and connections ===
{{See also|List of GO Transit stations}}
GO Transit stations are designed to provide seamless and barrier-free connections between its trains and buses. They include amenities such as elevators, washrooms, parking, pay phones, ticket vending machines, ticket sale kiosks and [[automated teller machine]]s. All GO stations have Presto card readers. Most bus terminals are also served with a ticket sales booth or vending machine. As of 2016, the capital costs of building a GO Transit train station is about $50 to $75 million.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/go-transit-service-to-expand-to-grimsby-by-2021-niagara-falls-by-2023-1.2965123 |title=GO Transit service to expand to Grimsby by 2021, Niagara Falls by 2023 |agency=[[The Canadian Press]] |location=[[St. Catharines]] |publisher=[[CTV News]] |date=28 June 2016 |access-date=29 June 2016}}</ref>

Most GO stations include large commuter parking lots, some of which have recently included large parking structures, and also include onsite bus loops for buses making timed connections to GO Buses.

Some GO train stations are shared with [[Union Pearson Express]] (commuter train services from [[Toronto Union Station]] to [[Pearson Airport]]), [[Via Rail]] (Canada's national passenger rail services) and [[Amtrak]] (which offers passenger train service to the United States). GO also connects with fifteen other municipal transit providers, such as the [[Toronto Transit Commission]] (TTC) and [[York Region Transit]] (YRT), as well as several long-distance intercity bus services, such as [[Ontario Northland]], [[Megabus (North America)|Megabus]], [[TOK Coachlines]] and United States-bound [[Greyhound Lines]] services. [[Metrolinx]] calls many of these transfer points between services [[Metrolinx mobility hubs|mobility hubs]], and it has made them a priority as it moves forward with ''[[The Big Move]]'' regional transportation plan.

=== Ridership ===
{| class="wikitable" align="right"
|+ GO Transit Annual Ridership (2017)<ref name="GO Numbers" /><ref name="ExpansionBC" />
|-
! Corridor
! Riders
! %
!
|-
| Lakeshore West
|align=right| 17.7{{nbsp}}million
| 25.8%
| <div style="background:#{{rcr|GO Transit|Lakeshore West}}; width:116px; color:white; text-align:center; font-weight:bold; overflow:hidden; display:inline-block;">{{spaces|1}}</div><div style="background:#{{rcr|GO Transit|Lakeshore West}}; width:61px; color:white; text-align:center; font-weight:bold; overflow:hidden; display:inline-block;">{{spaces|1}}</div>
|-
| Lakeshore East
|align=right| 13.7{{nbsp}}million
| 20.0%
| <div style="background:#{{rcr|GO Transit|Lakeshore East}}; width:90px; color:white; text-align:center; font-weight:bold; overflow:hidden; display:inline-block;">{{spaces|1}}</div><div style="background:#{{rcr|GO Transit|Lakeshore East}}; width:47px; color:white; text-align:center; font-weight:bold; overflow:hidden; display:inline-block;">{{spaces|1}}</div>
|-
| Kitchener
|align=right| 8{{nbsp}}million
| 11.7%
| <div style="background:#{{rcr|GO Transit|Kitchener}}; width:51px; color:white; text-align:center; font-weight:bold; overflow:hidden; display:inline-block;">{{spaces|1}}</div><div style="background:#{{rcr|GO Transit|Kitchener}}; width:29px; color:white; text-align:center; font-weight:bold; overflow:hidden; display:inline-block;">{{spaces|1}}</div>
|-
| Milton
|align=right| 7{{nbsp}}million
| 10.2%
| <div style="background:#{{rcr|GO Transit|Milton}}; width:70px; color:white; text-align:center; font-weight:bold; overflow:hidden; display:inline-block;">{{spaces|1}}</div>
|-
| Barrie
|align=right| 4.6{{nbsp}}million
| 6.7%
| <div style="background:#{{rcr|GO Transit|Barrie}}; width:45px; color:white; text-align:center; font-weight:bold; overflow:hidden; display:inline-block;">{{spaces|1}}</div><div style="background:#{{rcr|GO Transit|Barrie}}; width:1px; color:white; text-align:center; font-weight:bold; overflow:hidden; display:inline-block;">{{spaces|1}}</div>
|-
| Stouffville
|align=right| 3.9{{nbsp}}million
| 5.7%
| <div style="background:#{{rcr|GO Transit|Stouffville}}; width:32px; color:white; text-align:center; font-weight:bold; overflow:hidden; display:inline-block;">{{spaces|1}}</div><div style="background:#{{rcr|GO Transit|Stouffville}}; width:7px; color:white; text-align:center; font-weight:bold; overflow:hidden; display:inline-block;">{{spaces|1}}</div>
|-
| Richmond Hill
|align=right| 2.5{{nbsp}}million
| 3.6%
| <div style="background:#{{rcr|GO Transit|Richmond Hill}}; width:25px; color:white; text-align:center; font-weight:bold; overflow:hidden; display:inline-block;">{{spaces|1}}</div>
|-
!colspan=3| ''Total – GO Rail System''
!align=right| ''57.4{{nbsp}}million''
|-
| Bus
|align=right| 11.1{{nbsp}}million
| 16.2%
| <div style="background:#{{rcr|GO Transit}}; width:111px; color:white; text-align:center; font-weight:bold; overflow:hidden; display:inline-block;">{{spaces|1}}</div>
|-
!colspan=3| ''Total''
!align=right| ''68.5{{nbsp}}million''
|-
|}

On an average weekday, GO runs 322 train trips carrying 206,167 riders, and 2,386 bus trips carrying 48,477 passengers. This adds up to 254,644 passengers throughout the entire system.<ref name="GO Numbers" /> In 2017, GO Transit ridership totalled 68.5{{nbsp}}million, and if expansion plans are realized, is projected to total over 200{{nbsp}}million by 2055.<ref name="GO Numbers" /><ref name="ExpansionBC">{{cite web |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/docs/pdf/board_agenda/20181206/20181206_BoardMtg_GO_Expansion_Full_Business_Case.PDF |title=GO Expansion Full Business Case |publisher=Metrolinx |date=November 2018 |access-date=3 January 2019 |archive-date=March 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303021717/http://www.metrolinx.com/en/docs/pdf/board_agenda/20181206/20181206_BoardMtg_GO_Expansion_Full_Business_Case.PDF |url-status=dead }}</ref>

At least 91 per cent of the train ridership is to and from Union Station in downtown Toronto, while about 70% of all bus passengers travel to and from the City of Toronto.<ref name="GO Numbers" /> The average trip taken by a passenger is {{convert|33.5|km|mi}} long. Most GO Transit commuters have a private vehicle available to them for their commute, but choose to use GO Transit instead. About 80% of train commuters and 60% of bus commuters choose GO Transit over driving.<ref name="GO2020">{{cite web|url=http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/docs/publications/Strategic_Plan_GO_2020_lowres.pdf |title=GO 2020 |publisher=GO Transit |access-date=7 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103145007/http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/docs/publications/Strategic_Plan_GO_2020_lowres.pdf |archive-date=January 3, 2012}}</ref> Over half of GO's ridership occurs on the Lakeshore West and East lines, which can be attributed to the almost continuous development along their corridors, as well as being the only two lines with two way, all day service since their inception. This is followed by the Milton line, carrying almost 14% of all ridership. Other corridors carry 4–11% of riders each.<ref name="2014_ridership">{{cite web |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/docs/pdf/board_agenda/20140905/20140905_BoardMtg_Regional_Express_Rail_EN.pdf |title=REGIONAL EXPRESS RAIL (RER) |date=5 September 2014 |publisher=[[Metrolinx]] |access-date=2 September 2014 |archive-date=August 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802094417/http://www.metrolinx.com/en/docs/pdf/board_agenda/20140905/20140905_BoardMtg_Regional_Express_Rail_EN.pdf }}</ref>

== Fares ==
[[File:Long Branch GO Station Christmas 2008 II 061.jpg|left|thumb|A train information board at [[Long Branch GO Station]]]]
{{Main|GO Transit fares}}

Fares on the network are based on a zone tariff set between two specified points by GO Transit, and the type of passenger using the ticket.<ref name="fare info">{{Cite web |title=Fare Info |publisher=GO Transit |url=http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/fares/fareinfo.aspx |access-date=31 July 2013 |archive-date=June 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110621235720/http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/fares/fareinfo.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> Tickets are sold for single trip, or passes for one day or one month.<ref name="ticket type">{{Cite web |title=Ticket Types |publisher=GO Transit |url=http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/fares/tickettypes.aspx#PassengerCategory |access-date=31 July 2013 |archive-date=August 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130806132424/http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/fares/tickettypes.aspx#PassengerCategory |url-status=dead }}</ref> Tickets can be used on a GO train, bus, or a combination of both. They can be purchased at train stations, bus terminals and ticket agencies.<ref name="fare info" /> Passenger categories exist for adults, youth, students, seniors and groups. As of March 9, 2019, passengers aged 12 and under can ride GO Transit fare-free.<ref name="kids-free">{{cite web |title=Kids 12 and Under Ride Free on GO Transit |url=https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/51378/kids-12-and-under-ride-free-on-go-transit |website=Ontario Newsroom |access-date=December 28, 2021 |date=February 28, 2019}}</ref>

The [[Presto card]], available on all GO trains and buses,<ref>{{Cite web |title=GO with PRESTO |publisher=GO Transit |url=http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/fares/presto.aspx |access-date=31 July 2013 |archive-date=October 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016053507/http://gotransit.com/public/en/fares/presto.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> is a unified [[smart card]]-based payment system used throughout the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Presto is a sister operating division of Metrolinx and the card can also be used on numerous local transit agencies in the GTHA such as the [[Toronto Transit Commission]] (TTC) and [[York Region Transit]] (YRT) as well as on [[OC Transpo]] in Ottawa.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fares & Travel Info |publisher=PRESTO |url=https://www.prestocard.ca/en-US/Pages/ContentPages/FaresTravel.aspx |access-date=31 July 2013}}</ref> As of April 21, 2024, free transfers exist for all connecting local transit systems throughout the GTHA. - in many cases using a Presto card or contactless credit card and their associated mobile wallets (where accepted) - are included with the GO Transit fare.<ref name="fare info" /><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gotransit.com/en/trip-planning/your-commute-to-go/local-transit-partners | title=Co-Fare Discounts with Other Transit Agencies {{pipe}} GO Transit }}</ref>

The Presto system allows passengers to load money on a reloadable card. Passengers pay their fare by "tapping" on and off on busses and trains. With each tap, the system calculates the fare for the ride, and it is deducted from the balance of the card. The card can also be linked to a credit or debit card and set on autoload, so that it automatically adds a certain amount of money as soon as the balance decreases past a certain level.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Loading Your Card |publisher=Metrolinx |url=https://www.prestocard.ca/en/about/loading-your-card |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref>

Since August 11, 2022, contactless credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Interac) & their associated mobile wallets such as Apple and Google Pay have been accepted on GO Transit in which a passenger taps on and off with their credit card on a PRESTO card fare reader.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2022/08/11/new-fare-options-for-go-brampton-miway-oakville-transit/ | title=New fare options for GO, Brampton, MiWay & Oakville Transit | date=August 11, 2022 }}</ref>  Contactless credit cards can also be used to pay transit fares - by tapping on PRESTO fare readers - across the Greater Toronto Area and are eligible for the free transfer on those supporting transit services providers which is included in the cost of the GO Transit fare (where accepted).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gotransit.com/en/blog/tapwithcredit | title=Tap to Pay with Credit or Debit }}</ref>

GO Trains use a "[[proof-of-payment]]" policy where the fare system is run on an "[[honor system|honour system]]". Passengers are required to carry a valid GO paper or digital ticket or pass, a tapped-in credit/debit card/mobile wallet or Presto card to prove that they paid for their fares. Passengers may be subject to random fare inspections at any time during travel. This system is designed to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Enforcement of this system is carried out via Metrolinx's By-law No. 2 that, by reference to the ''Provincial Offences Act'', imposes a $35 to $200 fine for fare evasion.<ref name="By-law 2">{{Cite web |title=GO Transit By-law No. 2 |publisher=GO Transit |url=http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/docs/bylaws/By-Law_2_EN.pdf |access-date=1 May 2015 |archive-date=June 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627171536/http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/docs/bylaws/By-Law_2_EN.pdf }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kalinowski |first1=Tess |title=Metrolinx raises ticket fines for the 29 per cent who don't pay up |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2014/02/14/metrolinx_raises_ticket_fines_for_the_29_who_dont_pay_up.html |access-date=1 May 2015 |newspaper=[[Toronto Star]] |date=14 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gotransit.com/en/dealing-with-a-fine |title=Dealing with a fine |access-date=2024-06-29 |website=GO Transit}}</ref>

Although children ages 0 to 12 years of age can ride fare-free on GO Transit, they may be required to show proof of age when getting a child Presto card.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.prestocard.ca/en/about/fare-types-and-discounts |title=Fare Types and Discounts |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=[[Presto card]]}}</ref>

== Logo ==
{{multiple image
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The GO Transit logo has remained largely unchanged since the agency was founded. The design was created by Gagnon/Valkus, a [[Montreal]]-based design firm that was also responsible for the corporate identities of [[Canadian National]] and [[Hydro-Québec]].<ref name="Brand History">{{cite web |url=http://www.gregcunneyworth.com/files/goTransit.pdf |title=The design history of the GO Transit logo |first=Greg |last=Cunneyworth |access-date=2012-08-29 |archive-date=October 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019182613/http://www.gregcunneyworth.com/files/goTransit.pdf }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.famouslogos.us/hydro-quebec-logo/ |title=Hydro-Québec Logo |publisher=Famous Logos |access-date=2012-08-29 |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412041333/https://www.famouslogos.us/hydro-quebec-logo/ }}</ref> The firm's team wanted to create a unified logo using the initials of the Government of Ontario ("GO"), via two circles with a ''T'' incorporated into it. Lead designer Frank Fox described the creation of the logo as "a happy accident. More or less, we had this feeling among us that this couldn't be true. We went off trying many other solutions, but nothing else was good enough."<ref name="GO60" /><ref name="Brand History" />

The logo has since become woven into the [[cityscape]] of Toronto, and is a prominent identifier of the agency. As one [[graphic design]] expert stated, it achieved "an enviable goal that most graphic designers strive to accomplish with any logo they design". Only one minor revision was made after the original version was unveiled: while the ''G'' and ''O'' used to touch each other, a gap now exists with a bolder white ''T'' to enhance them.<ref name="Brand History" /> The primary corporate colour was known as "GO Green", matched the green on [[Highways in Ontario|Ontario Highway]] signs, and was used on all vehicles, signage, and printed material. In 2013, GO introduced a two-tone colour scheme that changed the primary colour to a darker green, and added a second lighter apple green. The changes were made to better harmonize with the branding of Metrolinx and its other operating divisions, as well as to improve its display digitally.<ref name="Brand Standards">{{cite web |url=http://www.ontla.on.ca/library/repository/mon/25010/313456.pdf |title=Static Signage Catalogue |date=October 2011 |publisher=Metrolinx |access-date=19 August 2012 |archive-date=March 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302230342/http://www.ontla.on.ca/library/repository/mon/25010/313456.pdf }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2013/07/16/go_transit_trains_and_buses_get_a_makeover.html |title=GO Transit trains and buses get a makeover |newspaper=[[Toronto Star]] |date=25 November 2011 |access-date=31 July 2013}}</ref><ref name="GOFAQ">{{cite web |url=http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/travelling/faq.aspx |title=FAQ |publisher=GO Transit |access-date=10 March 2017 |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330040523/http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/travelling/faq.aspx }}</ref>

== Safety and security ==
=== By-law No. 2 ===
GO Transit By-law No. 2 is a document of rules and regulations governing actions of passengers and employees while on GO Transit property, which includes land, facilities, trains, buses and other structures. Besides issues relating to fares, the by-law specifies permissible and prohibited actions such as staying in designated safe areas, commercial or distribution activities, parking and other personal actions that promote or endanger the safety of passengers. It covers items like paying fares, parking, general behaviour, fines and rule enforcement. These rules can be enforced by a "proper authority" which is defined as "an employee or agent of GO Transit wearing a GO Transit uniform [or] carrying an identification card issued by GO Transit, a GO Transit Special Constable, or a municipal police officer". Any contravention of the by-law can result in a fine under the ''Provincial Offences Act''.<ref name="By-law 2" />

=== Enforcement ===
[[File:GO Transit Safety.jpg|thumb|right|Shoulder flashes for GO Transit Safety Officers]]
GO Transit employs Transit Safety Officers, who are designated [[Special constable#Canada|special constables]] that patrol Metrolinx properties, and are responsible for ensuring passenger safety and protection, enforcing relevant laws or by-laws, offering customer assistance and supporting local police, fire and ambulance, and promoting railway safety.<ref name="GO Safety">{{Cite web |title=Safety and Security |publisher=GO Transit |url=http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/travelling/safety.aspx |access-date=31 July 2013 |archive-date=June 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110621235743/http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/travelling/safety.aspx }}</ref> Under the ''[[Police Services Act (Ontario)|Police Services Act]]'', Transit Safety Officers are appointed by the Commissioner of the [[Ontario Provincial Police]], with approval from the [[Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services|Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Special Constable Program |publisher=[[Ontario Provincial Police]] |url=http://www.opp.ca/ecms/index.php?id=449 |access-date=31 July 2013}}</ref> In addition to By-law No. 2, they have the authority to enforce other certain federal and provincial laws.<ref name="GO Safety" />

GO Transit also employs Provincial Offences Officers, known as Revenue Protection Officers, to enforce the [[proof-of-payment]] system.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GO Transit By-law No. 5 |publisher=GO Transit |url=http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/docs/bylaws/By-law%20No.%205%20July%202009.pdf |access-date=31 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407020528/http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/docs/bylaws/By-law%20No.%205%20July%202009.pdf |archive-date=April 7, 2012 |df=mdy}}</ref> GO Transit operates a 24-hour Transit Safety Communications centre operated by Communications Operators. They are mainly responsible for taking calls from the public with regards to actionable complaints, dispatching special constables or relevant emergency services to all areas serviced by Metrolinx.<ref name="GO Safety" />

=== Incidents ===
On December 12, 1975, a westbound GO train collided with a [[Toronto Transit Commission]] (TTC) [[Toronto Transit Commission buses|bus]] that was stalled on a crossing at St. Clair and Midland Avenue. Nine passengers on the bus were killed and 20 others were injured. This was the worst accident in terms of loss of life in the history of the TTC and GO Transit systems. The level crossing was replaced by an overpass a few years later.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1975: Bus / GO train tragedy |publisher=Scarborough Historical Society |url=http://scarboroughhistorical.ca/?ai1ec_event=1975-bus-go-train-tragedy&instance_id= |access-date=31 July 2013}}</ref>

On November 17, 1997, an empty train collided with another train waiting to depart Union Station with over 800 passengers on board. The empty train's locomotive engineer was at the opposite end of the train, and the conductor at the leading end failed in his attempts to relay the situation to the engineer or apply the emergency brake. The two trains then collided at a speed of {{convert|19|km/h|abbr=on}}, causing a partial derailment and minor injuries to fifty-four passengers and two crew members. The subsequent [[Transportation Safety Board of Canada|Transportation Safety Board]] report made recommendations, including making emergency brakes more accessible and that the locomotive engineer must always control the train from the leading end in the [[Union Station Rail Corridor]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=TSB Railway Occurrence Report Number R97T0299 |date=February 3, 1999 |publisher=Transportation Safety Board |url=http://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/rail/1997/r97t0299/r97t0299.asp |access-date=31 July 2013}}</ref>

On July 8, 2013, a [[Richmond Hill GO Station|Richmond Hill]]–bound GO train encountered [[flash flood]]ing in the [[Don River (Ontario)|Don Valley]] when a record-breaking 123&nbsp;mm rain storm fell over a few hours in Toronto area. As the crew worked to reverse the direction of the train back to Union Station, flood waters continued to rise and submerged the entire track and the train itself began to flood. Approximately 1,400 passengers on board had to be rescued by boat.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.nationalpost.com/toronto/commuter-go-train-partially-underwater-after-toronto-floods-passengers-evacuated-by-zip-line |title='It felt like a sinking boat': Police rescue 1,400 passengers from waterlogged commuter GO train |first=Peter |last=Kuitenbrouwer |newspaper=National Post |date=July 8, 2013 |access-date=June 21, 2016}}</ref>

On January 14, 2015, a GO bus on Highway 407 near Weston Road hit a guard rail and rolled into a ditch. One passenger was ejected and crushed to death, and another two in addition to the bus driver were injured.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.citynews.ca/2015/01/15/eastbound-hwy-407-closed-at-weston-road-after-fatal-crash/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150118214136/http://www.citynews.ca/2015/01/15/eastbound-hwy-407-closed-at-weston-road-after-fatal-crash/ |archive-date=18 January 2015 |title=Woman, 56, dead after GO bus rollover in Vaughan |date=15 January 2015 |publisher=CityNews Toronto |quote=A woman is dead after a she was thrown from a GO bus when it rolled over on Highway 407 on Wednesday night. |access-date=2 March 2015}}</ref> On March 2, 2015, the GO Transit driver was charged with careless driving causing death.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/go-bus-driver-charged-in-deadly-crash-on-hwy-407-1.2978837 |title=GO bus driver charged in deadly crash on Hwy. 407 |date=2 March 2015 |publisher=CBC News |quote=A GO bus driver has been charged with careless driving in connection with a deadly crash that occurred on Hwy. 407 in January. He is due to appear in court in April. |access-date=2 March 2015}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[GO Transit fleet]]
* [[List of GO Transit stations]]

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

=== General references ===
* {{cite web |url=http://transit.toronto.on.ca/gotransit/2100.shtml |title=Regional Transit Routes – Transit Toronto |access-date=15 June 2011 |last1=Garcia |first1=Daniel |last2=Bow |first2=James |last3=Marshall |first3=Sean |last4=Drost |first4=Peter |date=November 10, 2006}}
** Part of collection: [http://transit.toronto.on.ca/gotransit/2101.shtml Lakeshore], [http://transit.toronto.on.ca/gotransit/2102.shtml Georgetown], [http://transit.toronto.on.ca/gotransit/2103.shtml Richmond Hill], [http://transit.toronto.on.ca/gotransit/2104.shtml Milton], [http://transit.toronto.on.ca/gotransit/2105.shtml Bradford], [http://transit.toronto.on.ca/gotransit/2110.shtml Stouffville] corridors, and [http://transit.toronto.on.ca/gotransit/2107.shtml GO ALRT]

=== Bibliography ===
* {{cite web |url=http://historicaltextarchive.com/books.php?action=nextpre&bid=63 |title=Building GO-Transit: The Rail Commuter Initiative of The Government of Ontario & Canadian National Railways, People in the project 1965–1969 |first=Wilfred |last=Sergeant |year=2004 |publisher=HTA PRESS |location=Starkville, MS }}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|https://www.gotransit.com/}}
* [https://www.metrolinx.com/en/greaterregion/projects/go-expansion.aspx GO Expansion Projects on Metrolinx website]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N08lSJj426w ''People on the GO''], 1973, Archives of Ontario YouTube Channel

{{GO Transit}}
{{Metrolinx}}
{{Canadianmetros}}
{{Torontometros}}
{{Public transit systems in Canada}}
{{Toronto}}

[[Category:GO Transit| ]]
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