GO Transit: Service thread (including extensions)

[crs1026]

One has to think that in those red zones, people are already redistributing themselves to avoid the crushes. So yes, more trains and not some contrived exercise to make people feel that they are the problem.

This doesn't mean a dramatic uptick in service. If there are four trains each loaded at 110, then adding a fifth train brings them down to 88 apiece.(I presume that's expressed in percentage of seats? A 10% standee loading is actually pretty crowded.)

One would think that a judicious addition to schedule is possible, equipment and crew availability presumed..

- Paul

PS - One thing that ML has lots of is detailed ridership spreadsheets. People have slipped me a few from time to time. Sure wish these were disclosed more readily, they do provide some interesting observations.

 

[PShells]

One has to think that in those red zones, people are already redistributing themselves to avoid the crushes. So yes, more trains and not some contrived exercise to make people feel that they are the problem.

This doesn't mean a dramatic uptick in service. If there are four trains each loaded at 110, then adding a fifth train brings them down to 88 apiece.(I presume that's expressed in percentage of seats? A 10% standee loading is actually pretty crowded.)

One would think that a judicious addition to schedule is possible, equipment and crew availability presumed..

- Paul

PS - One thing that ML has lots of is detailed ridership spreadsheets. People have slipped me a few from time to time. Sure wish these were disclosed more readily, they do provide some interesting observations.

My anecdotal experience supports yours and Northern’s argument. My 8:09 Unionville to Union train on the ST line was standing room only following the RTO mandates in autumn 2025. Thankfully I board further north, so I always get a seat but it meant stepping over people sitting on stairs to exit the train.

The introduction of a single 7:59 train has my 8:09 train operating at what feels like 75% capacity for the last six months.

 

[stevensontransit]

I think these images of an Excel table are showing crowded trains or % capacity? Interesting behind-the-scences view cc @reaperexpress @crs1026

View attachment 727816

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Ridership is way past pre pandemic levels, but many go bus routes service levels are not such as 01-15 lakeshore west aldershot Hamilton, 16, 92, 36, and 96 that still runs hourly or bi hourly on other times.

 

[Dan416]

They should do the Milton line. They're all packed.

 

[ssiguy2]

Don't expect any big service improvements any time soon and I wouldn't be surprised if they actually started cutting service. Had ML electrified the service by 2026, like they swore up and down on the bible that they would, then they would have the money to provide the service. As I understand it, the price of diesel accounts for anywhere from 33 to 40% of the operational costs. That means for every 3 trains they run now, they could be running 4 for the exact same price. Of course ML's incompetence, lying, and corruption has meant nothing is electrified and won't be for at least a decade BUT due to Trump, the much higher diesel prices than forecast are blowing a whole in the GO budget just to maintain current service levels.

This is why ML is now blaming the passengers for the overcrowding problem because if they can't blame the riders then the only other party they would be able to blame it on is themselves and we all know how ML has a stellar record of taking responsibility for it's actions.

 

[just east of the creek]

Don't expect any big service improvements any time soon and I wouldn't be surprised if they actually started cutting service. Had ML electrified the service by 2026, like they swore up and down on the bible that they would, then they would have the money to provide the service. As I understand it, the price of diesel accounts for anywhere from 33 to 40% of the operational costs. That means for every 3 trains they run now, they could be running 4 for the exact same price. Of course ML's incompetence, lying, and corruption has meant nothing is electrified and won't be for at least a decade BUT due to Trump, the much higher diesel prices than forecast are blowing a whole in the GO budget just to maintain current service levels.

This is why ML is now blaming the passengers for the overcrowding problem because if they can't blame the riders then the only other party they would be able to blame it on is themselves and we all know how ML has a stellar record of taking responsibility for it's actions.

I would think that ML would have longer term contracts re fuel and maybe hedge on prices, but nevertheless you are not wrong. And perhaps an incentive as well?

 

[Bordercollie]

I would think that ML would have longer term contracts re fuel and maybe hedge on prices, but nevertheless you are not wrong. And perhaps an incentive as well?

Via tickets are up slightly, but that could be due to higher demand with people deciding not to drive.

 

[pattyrick]

On Monday, I was on a GO bus with an announcement stating that service changes are taking effect on April 13. Nothing yet has been posted online as of today. Fair to assume there's some service cuts if they announce it today?

 

[Bordercollie]

On Monday, I was on a GO bus with an announcement stating that service changes are taking effect on April 13. Nothing yet has been posted online as of today. Fair to assume there's some service cuts if they announce it today?

I doubt that there is an appetite for cuts but since they got new buses they may adjust schedules.

 

[lastcommodore]

On Monday, I was on a GO bus with an announcement stating that service changes are taking effect on April 13. Nothing yet has been posted online as of today. Fair to assume there's some service cuts if they announce it today?

all i can find is under service updates for LSE:

Minor Schedule Adjustments April 13
On Monday, April 13, some trains will need to run at slower speeds due to construction completed over the weekend. Some trains between Pickering and Durham College Oshawa GO will arrive and depart a few minutes later than usual.
Regularly scheduled service will resume Tuesday, April 14.

 

[ShonTron]

On Monday, I was on a GO bus with an announcement stating that service changes are taking effect on April 13. Nothing yet has been posted online as of today. Fair to assume there's some service cuts if they announce it today?

Probably the end of some scheduled college/university extras on routes like 25, 30, 88 and the 407 routes. Those are marked in the schedules, but with exams wrapping up soon, April 13 sounds about right.

 

[Civdis]

Don't expect any big service improvements any time soon and I wouldn't be surprised if they actually started cutting service. Had ML electrified the service by 2026, like they swore up and down on the bible that they would, then they would have the money to provide the service. As I understand it, the price of diesel accounts for anywhere from 33 to 40% of the operational costs. That means for every 3 trains they run now, they could be running 4 for the exact same price. Of course ML's incompetence, lying, and corruption has meant nothing is electrified and won't be for at least a decade BUT due to Trump, the much higher diesel prices than forecast are blowing a whole in the GO budget just to maintain current service levels.

This is why ML is now blaming the passengers for the overcrowding problem because if they can't blame the riders then the only other party they would be able to blame it on is themselves and we all know how ML has a stellar record of taking responsibility for it's actions.

Not sure where you are getting your numbers, fuel costs make up less than 10% of operating costs, labour is the big one.

 

[Northern Light]

On Monday, I was on a GO bus with an announcement stating that service changes are taking effect on April 13. Nothing yet has been posted online as of today. Fair to assume there's some service cuts if they announce it today?

@ShonTron is on point, above, as per usual.

From: https://www.gotransit.com/en/student-savings/go-to-school

 

[Bordercollie]

@ShonTron is on point, above, as per usual.

View attachment 728495
From: https://www.gotransit.com/en/student-savings/go-to-school

Wow where does the time go? University is out next will be regular school and then it will be September and Christmas again.