September is on the calendar and that means that summer is ending and classes at secondary and post-secondary schools are starting. And, people are returning to workplaces after vacations.
All of the transit agencies in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area are making changes to their services over the next few days — some of them, including the TTC and Brampton Transit, are making fairly extensive changes. That requires us at Transit Toronto to put together a lot of information during a short time.
We’ve decided to temporarily publish only highlights of the changes so that readers can receive information while it’s still timely. Shortly afterward, we will fill in the details for each post so you can get our usual extensive look at the various changes the agencies are making.
GO Transit is revising its train and bus services just as many passengers return to school and work.
Highlights include:
- More Monday-to-Friday train service along the Barrie and Stouffville lines;
- More bus bus service for post-secondary students; and
- More buses for Brampton passengers.
GO is adding a number of midday and late-evening trips along the the Barrie line, to respond to passenger demand. It’s also resuming midday hourly service to and from Mount Joy GO Station along the Stouffville line. And, GO’s continuing the train service that it added in August, bringing weekend train service to Barrie and Stouffville line passengers.
With more passengers travelling to and from universities and colleges startomg this week, GO is adding more service to post-secondary institutions. It also advises that “We are aware of high demand on some routes in the early weeks of September. Our Network Operations team constantly monitors bus service to accommodate locations with high passenger volumes, and we do our best to provide extra buses on these routes when available.”
GO may provide this extra service along these routes:
GO is revising service along these routes and lines: 01 Lakeshore West trains; 09 Lakeshore East trains; 12 Niagara Falls / Burlington; 15 Brantford / Burlington; 16 Hamilton / Toronto express; 17 Waterloo / Guelph / Hamilton; 18 Lakeshore West buses; 21 Milton / Mississauga / Toronto buses; 25 Waterloo / Mississauga; 27 Milton / Mississauga / North York; 30 Kitchener / Brampton express; 31 Kitchener trains; 31 Guelph / Georgetown / Toronto buses; 32 Brampton / Trinity Common / North York; 33 Guelph / Georgetown / North York; 36 Brampton / North York express; 41 Hamilton / Pickering; 47 Hamilton / Vaughan; 52 Oshawa / Vaughan; 54 Markham / Vaughan; 56 Oshawa / Oakville; 63 King City / Toronto; 65 Barrie trains; 65 East Gwillimbury / Newmarket / Toronto buses; 68 Barrie / Newmarket / Aurora; 70 Uxbridge / Stouffville / Markham; 71 Stouffville trains; 71 Uxbridge / Stouffville / Toronto buses; 88 Peterborough / Oshawa; 90 Lakeshore East buses; 92 Oshawa / Yorkdale; 96 Oshawa / Finch.
68 Barrie / Newmarket / Aurora
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO is adjusting the schedules “to better reflect actual travel times” and to make sure that passengers can continue to connect with trains.
Starting Tuesday, September 5, GO is decreasing service along the route because it’s increasing the number of trains operating along the 65 Barrie line.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
65 Barrie trains
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO’s adjusting schedules for trains along the line “to better reflect actual travel times.” Some trains leave stations as much as five minutes earlier than usually.
Starting Tuesday, September 5, GO re-introduces full Monday-to-Friday service by operating trains on new trips in both directions along the line.
New southbound trains start in Aurora GO Station at 10:57 a.m. and 2:57 p.m., ending their trips in Union Station at 11:48 a.m. and 3:48 p.m. Another new train starts in Allandale Waterfront GO Station at 9:05 p.m., ending in Union at 10:48 p.m.
New northbound trains start in Union at 12:53 and 7:53 p.m., ending in Aurora at 1:44 and 8:44 p.m. Another new train starts in Union at 9:53 p.m., ending in Allandale at 11:38 p.m.
GO is also adjusting the length of some of the trains along the line. Signs on the platforms advise you where to stand while waiting for trains of different lengths.
Southbound:
- The trains that start in Aurora at 11:57 a.m. and 12:57 p.m. are ten cars long, instead of six.
- The train that starts in Aurora at 1:57 p.m. is six cars long, instead of 12.
- The train that starts in Allandale at 9:05 p.m. is 12 cars long.
Northbound:
- The trains that start in Union at 10:53 and 11:53 a.m. are 12 cars long.
You can view the new schedules for the line here (.pdf).
32 Brampton / Trinity Common / North York
Starting Tuesday, September 5, GO is operating buses on five new trips along the route Mondays to Fridays to meet passenger demand. It’s also adjusting the schedules “to better reflect actual travel times” and to make sure that passengers can continue to connect with trains.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
36 Brampton / North York express
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO is adjusting the schedules for buses along the route “to better reflect actual travel times.” Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or later than usually.
Also starting September 2, westbound passengers board buses along the route at platform 5 in Yorkdale GO Bus Terminal.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
15 Brantford / Burlington
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO is adjusting the schedules for buses along the route “to better reflect actual travel times” and to make sure that passengers can continue to connect with trains. Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or later than usually.
Starting Tuesday, September 5, GO resumes eastbound service along the 15A branch of the route Monday-to-Friday afternoons. Buses along the 15A branch operate between McMaster University GO Bus Terminal and Aldershot GO Station.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
65 East Gwillimbury / Newmarket / Toronto
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO is relocating the boarding zone at Union Station Bus Terminal for buses along the route to Zone D.
Starting Tuesday, September 5, GO is decreasing service along the route because it’s increasing the number of trains operating along the 65 Barrie line.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
33 Guelph / Georgetown / North York
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO is adjusting the schedules for buses along the route “to better reflect actual travel times” and to make sure that passengers can continue to connect with trains. Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or later than usually.
Also starting September 2, westbound passengers board buses along the route at platform 7 in Yorkdale GO Bus Terminal.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
31 Guelph / Georgetown / Toronto
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO is adjusting the schedules for buses along the route “to better reflect actual travel times” and to make sure that passengers can continue to connect with trains. Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or later than usually.
Also starting September 2, westbound passengers board buses along the route at platform 7 in Yorkdale GO Bus Terminal.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
41 Hamilton / Pickering
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO is adjusting the schedules for buses along the route “to better reflect actual travel times.” Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or later than usually.
Also starting September 2, westbound passengers board buses along the route at platform 8 in Highway 407 GO Bus Terminal.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
16 Hamilton / Toronto express
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO is adjusting the schedules for buses along the route “to better reflect actual travel times.” Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or later than usually.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
47 Hamilton / Vaughan
Sunday, August 27 was the last day this year that GO operated buses along the route to and from Canada’s Wonderland.
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO is adjusting the schedules for buses along the route “to better reflect actual travel times.” Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or later than usually.
Also starting Tuesday, September 5, GO resumes service along several branches of the route:
- 47D branch: buses operate express — without stopping — between McMaster University and Square One GO bus terminals, then drop off or pick up passengers at all stops to Highway 407 GO Bus Terminal.
- 47G branch: buses serve passengers at all stops between McMaster University GO Bus Terminal and Erin Mills Transitway Station.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
63 King City / Toronto
Starting Tuesday, September 5, GO is relocating the boarding zone at Union Station Bus Terminal for buses along the route to Zone D.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
30 Kitchener / Brampton express
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO is providing more service along the route every day to meet passenger demand. It’s operating buses on 14 new trips Saturdays, Sundays and holidays and 23 new trips Mondays to Fridays.
Many of the new trips operate along the new 30A branch of the route, especially weekends. Buses along the 30A branch operate along the regular path between the University of Waterloo and Bramalea GO Station, but skip their stops in the Meadowvale Business Park. GO operates extra trips along the branch in both directions Fridays only or Thursdays and Fridays only to help passengers travelling homeward from universities or colleges for the weekend.
GO is also adjusting the schedules for buses along the route “to better reflect actual travel times” and to make sure that passengers can continue to connect with trains. Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or later than usually.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
31 Kitchener trains
Starting Tuesday, September 5, GO is operating a train on a new westbound trip along the line. The train starts in Union Station at 11:34 p.m. Mondays to Fridays. It drops off of picks up passengers in all stations along the line, ending its trip in Mount Pleasant GO Station at 12:23 a.m. The train operates with 12 cars.
GO is also adjusting the length of some of the trains along the line. Signs on the platforms advise you where to stand while waiting for trains with different numbers of cars.
Eastbound:
- The train that starts in Mount Pleasant at 1:40 p.m. is ten cars long, instead of six.
- The trains that start in Kitchener GO Station at 5:14 and 8:45 a.m. are 12 cars long.
- The trains that start in Mount Pleasant at 7:40 and 8:40 a.m. are 12 cars long.
Westbound:
- The train that starts in Union at 11:34 a.m. is ten cars long, instead of six.
- The trains that start in Union at 6:34, 7:34, 9:34 and 10:34 p.m. are 12 cars long.
You can view the new schedules for the line here (.pdf).
90 Lakeshore East buses
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO’s adjusting schedules for buses along the route “to better reflect actual travel times” and to make sure that passengers can continue to connect with trains. Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or nine minutes later than usually.
GO is also relocating the boarding zone at Union Station Bus Terminal for buses along the route to Zone D.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
09 Lakeshore East trains
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO’s adjusting schedules for trains along the line “to better reflect actual travel times.” Some trains leave stations as much as eight minutes earlier or nine minutes later than usually Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
Starting Tuesday, September 5, most trains leave stations as much as 15 minutes earlier than usually Mondays to Fridays. That results in 15-minute frequency afternoons starts after 4:20 p.m., with trains leaving Union Station at 3:50, 4:20 and then 4:35 p.m.
If you’re travelling along both the 01 Lakeshore West and the 09 Lakeshore East lines, and West lines, you may need to transfer trains at Union Station. Listen to announcements on your train for directions. You may need to switch platforms to continue your journey beyond Union Station.
You can view the new schedules for the line here (.pdf).
18 Lakeshore West buses
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO is adjusting the schedules for buses along the route “to better reflect actual travel times” and to make sure that passengers can continue to connect with trains. Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or later than usually.
You can view the new schedules for the line here (.pdf).
01 Lakeshore West trains
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO’s adjusting schedules for trains along the line “to better reflect actual travel times.” Some trains leave stations as much as eight minutes earlier or nine minutes later than usually.
Also, starting Tuesday, September 5, the Niagara-bound train that usually leaves Union Station at 9:52 a.m. Mondays to Fridays leaves 42 minutes earlier, at 9:10 a.m.
If you’re travelling along both the 09 Lakeshore East and the 01 Lakeshore West lines, and West lines, you may need to transfer trains at Union Station. Listen to announcements on your train for directions. You may need to switch platforms to continue your journey beyond Union Station.
If you’re transferring between express and local trains, you’ll have a few extra minutes at Oakville GO Station to transfer.
And, some trains leave Union at different platforms than usually during afternoon rush hours:
- You can board the 4:06 p.m. train on platforms 7 and 8.
- You can board the 4:51 and 5:06 p.m. trains on platforms 9 and 10.
- You can board the 5:15 p.m. train on platform 13.
You can view the new schedules for the line here (.pdf).
54 Markham / Vaughan
Starting Tuesday, September 5, GO is adjusting the schedules for buses along the route “to better reflect actual travel times.” Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or later than usually.
Also starting September 2, westbound passengers board buses along the route at platform 7 at Unionville GO Station.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
27 Milton / Mississauga / North York
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO is operating more buses between Milton and Meadowvale GO stations and between Milton and Yorkdale and Finch GO bus terminals. At Yorkdale and Finch, you can transfer to the TTC’s Line 1 Yonge - University subway to travel to and from downtown Toronto.
GO is also adjusting the schedules for buses along the route “to better reflect actual travel times.” Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or later than usually.
Also starting September 2, passengers board buses along the route at platform 5 in Finch GO Bus Terminal.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
21 Milton / Mississauga / Toronto
21 branch - Milton GO Station to Union Station GO Bus terminal
Starting Tuesday, September 5, GO is operating buses on new eastbound trips along the route early Monday-to-Friday mornings.
21A branch - Milton GO Station to Oakville GO Station
Starting Tuesday, September 5, buses operating along the branch drop off or pick up passengers every hour, instead of every 30 minutes, Mondays to Fridays.
21B branch - Lisgar GO Station to Clarkson GO Station
Starting Saturday, September 2, buses operating along the branch drop off or pick up passengers every hour, instead of every 30 minutes, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
Starting Tuesday, September 5, buses operating along the branch drop off or pick up passengers every hour, instead of every 30 minutes, Monday-to-Friday evenings.
21C branch - Erindale GO Station to Port Credit GO Station
Starting Saturday, September 2, buses operating along the branch drop off or pick up passengers every hour, instead of every 30 minutes, every day.
Note that passengers travelling to and from Milton benefit from more service along the 27 Milton / Mississauga / North York route. GO is improving service to and from Meadowvale GO Station and Yorkdale and Finch GO bus terminal. At Yorkdale and Finch, you can transfer to the TTC’s Line 1 Yonge - University subway to travel to and from downtown Toronto.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
12 Niagara Falls / Burlington
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO is adjusting the schedules for buses along the route “to better reflect actual travel times” and to make sure passengers can continue to connect with trains. Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or later than usually.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
96 Oshawa / Finch express
Sunday, August 27 was the last day this year that GO operated buses along the route to and from the Toronto Zoo.
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO is adjusting the schedules for buses along the route “to better reflect actual travel times.” Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or later than usually.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
56 Oshawa / Oakville
Starting Tuesday, September 5, GO is adjusting the schedules for buses along the route “to better reflect actual travel times.” Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or later than usually.
Also starting September 5, GO introduces service along two new branches of the route:
- 56A branch: Buses drop off or pick up passengers at all stops between Oshawa Durham College GO Station and the North Oshawa campuses of Durham College and Ontario Tech University. The buses then operate express — without stopping — to Unionville GO Station. The buses skip Richmond Hill Centre Terminal, then stop in Highway 407 GO Bus Terminal. The buses skip Bramalea GO Station, but serve passengers at all other stops to Square One GO Bus Terminal.
- 56B branch: Buses serve passengers in all stops between Highway 407 GO Bus Terminal and Oakville GO Station.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
52 Oshawa / Vaughan
Sunday, August 27 was the last day this year that GO operated buses along the route to and from Canada’s Wonderland.
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO is adjusting the schedules for buses along the route “to better reflect actual travel times.” Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or later than usually.
Also starting September 2, westbound passengers board buses along the route at platform 14 in Oshawa Durham College GO Station bus terminal.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
92 Oshawa / Yorkdale
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO’s adjusting schedules for buses along the route “to better reflect actual travel times.” Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or nine minutes later than usually.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
88 Peterborough / Oshawa
Starting Tuesday, September 5, GO is adjusting the schedules for buses along the route “to better reflect actual travel times.” Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or later than usually.
Also starting September 5, GO introduces service along two new branches of the route:
- 88B branch: Buses drop off or pick up passengers at all stops between Trent University and Oshawa Durham College GO Station, including local stops in Courtice and downtown Oshawa.
- 88C branch: Buses serve local stops between Trent University and Downtown Peterborough Bus Terminal, then operate express — without stopping — to Oshawa Durham College GO Station. Buses operate along the branch Thursdays and Fridays only to help passengers travelling homeward from universities or colleges for the weekend.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
71 Stouffville trains
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO adjusts the schedules for trains along the line “to better reflect actual travel times.” Some trains leave stations as much as nine minutes earlier than usually.
Starting Tuesday, September 5, GO resumes hourly Monday-to-Friday service to and from Mount Joy GO Station by operating trains on new trips in both directions along the line.
New southbound trains start in Mount Joy at 10:34 a.m. and 12:34 and 2:34 p.m., ending their trips in Union Station at 11:29 a.m. and 1:29 and 3:29 p.m.
New northbound trains start in Union at 10:12 a.m. and 12:12 and 2:12 p.m., ending their trips in at Mount Joy at 11:07 a.m. and 1:07 and 3:07 p.m.
GO is also adjusting the length of some of the trains along the line. Signs on the platforms advise you where to stand while waiting for trains with different numbers of cars.
Northbound:
- The trains that start in Union at 9:12 a.m. and 1:12 p.m. are ten cars long instead of 12.
And, some trains leave Union at different platforms than usually during afternoon rush hours:
- You can board the 3:12 and 4:42 p.m. trains at platform 13.
You can view the new schedules for the line here (.pdf).
70 Uxbridge / Stouffville / Markham
Starting Tuesday, September 5, GO is adjusting the schedules for buses along the route “to better reflect actual travel times” and to make sure that passengers can continue to connect with trains. Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or later than usually.
GO is also decreasing service along the route because it’s increasing the number of trains operating along the 71 Stouffville line.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
71 Uxbridge / Stouffville / Toronto
Starting Tuesday, September 5, GO is decreasing service along the route because it’s increasing the number of trains operating along the 71 Stouffville line.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
17 Waterloo / Guelph / Hamilton
Starting Tuesday, September 5, GO is adjusting the schedules for buses along the route “to better reflect actual travel times.” Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or later than usually.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).
25 Waterloo / Mississauga
Starting Saturday, September 2, GO is adjusting the schedules for buses along the route. Some buses leave stops as much as 14 minutes earlier or later than usually.
You can view the new schedules for the route here (.pdf).