A Beginner's Guide to GO Transit

What is GO Transit?

GO Transit a is public transit system which is a division of the provincial government agency, Metrolinx. GO Trains and buses connect Toronto with numerous other municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton and carry over 70 million passengers a year. 

Where Does GO Transit Go?

GO Transit routes radiate out from Toronto's Union Station. The GO Train lines reach out to Hamilton, Milton, Kitchener, Barrie, Richmond Hill, Linconville, Oshawa, and - seasonally - Niagara Falls. Bus routes further extend the system to Orangeville, Beaverton, and Peterborough, along with many other spots in Southern Ontario. Take a look at the full system map to get a better idea of everywhere GO Transit can take you.

Who Uses GO Transit?

There are many people who live in one municipality but work in another and use GO Transit as part of their daily commute. GO Transit also serves many post-secondary institutions in Ontario, and can be used by students (and staff) to reach schools such as the University of Guelph, the University of Waterloo, Wilfred Laurier, York University, Trent University, and others.

But GO Transit isn't all business. It's also an excellent option for people coming into or leaving Toronto for recreation, or who are planning day or weekend excursions to other parts of Southern Ontario. Because the GO Train lines converge at Union Station, the system is often used by people from the GTA who are coming in for events at the Rogers Centre, the ACC, Harbourfront Centre, and other nearby venues.

• Learn more about Union Station and what's nearby.

How Much Does it Cost to Ride GO Transit?

The price of a GO Transit ticket is determined using a "fare zone" system, meaning how much you pay is based on where you'll be traveling. You can use GO's fare calculator to get a better idea of what your ride will cost you.

There are also several ways to pay, which include buying a single ride ticket, a day pass, a group pass, or using PRESTO, an electronic, reloadable fare card that can also be used on the TTC.

• Learn more about GO Transit tickets and fares.

How Long Do I Have to Wait?

Unlike the Toronto subway system, GO Trains and buses run on a very specific schedule. On the Lakeshore East and West lines there should only be about half an hour between trains at most, but on many other routes there's an hour or more between scheduled trips. Some routes only operate during rush hour, or on certain days of the week, or even during certain times of the year. Like any form of transit, however, there can be delays. GO Transit provides service updates on their website to inform passengers of anything out of the ordinary going on that might be causing changes to their regular schedule. You can also sign up to receive alerts via email and text messages.

You should always plan your GO Transit trip in advance in both directions. You can explore the schedules or try the Google Trip Planner on www.gotransit.com.

What if the GO Train or Bus is Late?

Delays do happen. GO Transit offers a service guarantee which says that if your arrival was delayed by 15 minutes or more by reasons within their control you can request a refund for the cost of your trip. This does not apply to things such as extreme weather, track obstructions, or emergencies. You can check here to see if your trip qualifies. 

• Learn more about the GO Train Service Guarantee.

How Do I Contact GO Transit?

Along with visiting the official website, you can also follow GO Transit on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and call their Customer Contact Centre at 1-888-438-6646 (1-888-GET-ON-GO).

• www.gotransit.com
• Twitter.com/GOTransit
• www.facebook.com/Get.on.the.GO
• https://www.instagram.com/gotransitofficial/