TORONTO: June 8, 2015 — Metrolinx is making it easier to get around during the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games with more GO service on routes that serve major events.
Schedules are now posted for these enhanced services, which include extra GO train and bus service for the Pan Am Games and extra GO bus service for the Parapan Am Games. Visitors and residents are encouraged to take advantage of these services to make getting around during the Games as easy and comfortable as possible, and are also reminded that Games tickets can be used as valid fare on GO and other participating transit systems on the day of the event.
Extra GO train service for the Pan Am Games will run from July 11-26, 2015. It will include:
· more Lakeshore East and West service to and from the new West Harbour GO Station for the soccer events taking place at the CIBC Hamilton Pan Am Soccer Stadium;
· more trips to Exhibition GO Station, the site of Pan Am Park, which will be a hub of many free and fun activities for the public throughout the Games as well as the site of the Games media centre; and
· more Lakeshore East and Lakeshore West service on weekends, particularly in the morning, for easier travel across the region and to events.
There will also be extra GO bus service for the Pan Am Games on several routes to accommodate increased passenger volume to and from events, including:
· more trips to serve events in St. Catharines, Hamilton, Milton, Mississauga, North York, downtown Toronto, Scarborough, Markham, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa;
· more buses along the Lakeshore East and West corridors for early morning and late-night events;
· standby GO buses at key locations across the system throughout the Games, ready to be put into service if required to carry more passengers.
Extra GO bus service for the Parapan Am Games will run from Aug. 8-10, 2015, and again on Aug. 14. It will include an extra late-night GO bus trip from Port Credit GO Station express to Union Station for events at the Mississauga Sports Centre.
“Adding extra GO bus and train service is part of our plan to help keep people moving during the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. It will be a busy time, and I encourage people to plan ahead and consider carpooling, taking transit, working flex-time or telecommuting to help make the Games a success,” said Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation. “I would also like to thank those already planning ahead for the Games.”
In addition to increasing services, Metrolinx will have staff serving as ambassadors at Union Station and other GO locations near major event venues to provide information and help new riders and spectators get where they need to go during the Games.
“These increased services will play a critical role in keeping our region moving throughout the course of the Games,” said Bruce McCuaig, President and CEO of Metrolinx. “Whether you’re a Games visitor who’s new to the GTHA or a regular GO commuter, we’re committed to doing all we can to get you where you need to be when you need to be there during what promises to be a very exciting time for our region.”
There is an area in the "Pan Am Games" link included in this article that notes designed for "regular GO passengers" and it offers a variety of caveats regarding leaving oneself extra time to accommodate delays in boarding/disembarking, increased volume at parking lots, etc.
ReplyDeleteOne line specifically notes that, with the increase in ridership that will include "new, excited GO riders" the noise level is likely to increase. I wonder if that means they'll be suspending the Quiet Zone for the duration of the games?
I'm saying they should.
ReplyDeleteAnd to think: I gave my manager a head's up that I may switch up my hours or just work from home on some of those days.
ReplyDeleteI'm always excited when I ride the GO
ReplyDeleteGreat, so as long as you can manage to get to the Lakeshore East or Lakeshore West line you are fine. How about the commuters interested in attending the Games that are on the Kitchener, Georgetown line? How about adding some service there on evenings or weekends instead of adding more and more service to the Lakeshore East and Lakeshore West lines.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if delays caused by "Track Congestion due to excess trains during the Pan Am Games" will be valid for Service Guarantee purposes?
ReplyDeleteAt the end of the day I'm skeptical that the Pan Am Games themselves can deliver to the point that justifies the absolute traffic nightmare that month is going to be.