TORONTO, May 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Starting this fall, Ontario will offer refunds to GO Train riders whose trains are more than 15 minutes late, except when delays are caused by extreme weather, police investigations, accidents and medical emergencies.
The 15-minute guarantee is the next step the Ontario government is taking to ensure the best customer experience possible for GO passengers.
This week, Ontario is celebrating 45 years of GO Transit service.
The first GO Train departed Oakville Station for Toronto's Union Station on May 23, 1967. Back then, GO served just 8,000 riders a day; 45 years later, that number has jumped to over 219,000.
"GO Transit continues to provide the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area with a reliable, comfortable and safe travelling experience," said Gary McNeil, President of GO Transit.
The popular transit system grew from a single rail line along the shore of Lake Ontario to a regional transportation network that includes seven rail lines spanning 444 kilometres of track, and a regional bus service that connects 16 bus terminals along 2,784 kilometres' worth of routes.
Yadda, yadda, yadda ... read the full release here which DOES NOT EXPLAIN what QUALIFIES as a refund.
So when the signal problems appear I can get a refund?
ReplyDeleteNo doubt this will still involve long line ups to claim the refund. They should just offer a monthly discount based on how many trains are delayed the previous month for those using Presto or a monthly pass,
ReplyDeleteI wonder if "leaves causing slipping on the tracks" will be considered "extreme weather"? Or if they will get rid of that reason (excuse) altogether?
ReplyDeleteWatch for signal problems becoming extreme weather events.
ReplyDelete"Due to an extreme light breeze, all signals are currently out on both Lakeshore lines. We apologise for any inconvenience".
It sounds all fine and dadny but no one will receive a refund. They left a giant loophole to avoid this. I heard that for Presto users it will automatically go back on the card. Not sure how that is going to work. I fi tap my card at 4.08pm and get the 4.25 pm LSE train but the 4.10pm LSE train is late do I get the refund. How do they know what train I am on as you have a 2 hour window once you tap.
ReplyDeleteI would like to know if anyone ever receives a credit under the new system.
Hi Dakota
ReplyDeleteThat story in 5... 4... 3... 2 ...
1) Leaves on the line get squished into a hard slippery layer. Driving a train on it is liek driving a car on ice (no traction). If you sit at the right end up the train, you'll hear the loco's wheels spin!
ReplyDelete2) I haven't been able to get a straight answer out of GO about whether cancellation = refund.
3) Full refund for 15 minutes delay is impressive. In the UK, you only get a 50% refund after 30 minutes of delay, and a full refund after an hour!
leaves on the track is a predictable occurance. The same extreme whether event happens in my yard at the same time every year. I suggest they start by examining areas with lots of trees, they seem to attract leaves. The autumn is a good time to look, particularily after windy days. Apparently this is when they like to gather in groups. When those conditions are met, Go should send out a track maintenance crew to clean off the tracks. It isn't like a freak storm that brings down whole trees or power lines.
ReplyDeleteI heard the same thing on the news Dakota - that the funds would be automatically credited to your PRESTCO card, all others would have to line-up to get their money and something about an estimate of costing 8 million dollars a year. Dalton, talk about buying votes! I still think you'll have to sell your first born to get a refund.
ReplyDeleteIts already a free ride. The ticket inspectors usually dont check tickets if the train is extremely late (not 5 minutes late) or cancelled. I guess they dont want to encounter angry customers so they just let them go. Anyone notice this.
ReplyDelete