GO Transit

GO Transit (also known as Government of Ontario transit) Is a Train & Bus commuter Centered in Downtown Toronto Ontario, but increasingly servicing suburb-to-suburb commuters, notably in areas surrounding the Toronto area and the Greater Horseshoe.

## Starting Years: 1967-1970

Much of the existing commuter service in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) was provided by the Canadian National Railway (CN), which faced mounting pressure to expand its service beyond the Lakeshore trains it ran between Hamilton in the west and Danforth in the east, to Toronto; however, CN lacked the financial and physical capital to do this. Real improved commuter service was not considered until the 1962 Metropolitan Toronto and Region Transportation Study, which examined land use and traffic in the newly created Metropolitan Toronto. The idea of GO Transit was created out of fear of becoming lost in years of planning; it was "approached as a test, but recognized to be a permanent service". In May 1965, the government of Ontario granted permission to proceed with the launch of Canada's first specially-designed commuter rail service, at a cost of CA$9.2 million Witch is CA$77.5 Today.

In 1965, Premier John Robarts announced plans for a commuter line on an established CN corridor between Oakville and Dunbarton (part of Pickering) on an experimental basis. The service was called Government of Ontario Transit (GO Transit) and was inaugurated on May 23, 1967. The first train left Oakville GO Station at 05:50 bound for Toronto Union Station. At 06:00 at train departed Pickering GO Station in the opposite direction.

Coincident with the launch of GO Transit's Lakeshore line, CN ended their Lakeshore commuter service. The bulk of GO's service was between Oakville and Pickering, however the limited connection to Hamilton and points west of Oakville was maintained. These included: Bronte GO Station and Burlington GO Station.

The service ran on a single rail line along Lake Ontario's shoreline. All-day GO Train service ran from Oakville to Pickering with limited rush hour train service to Hamilton. Lakeshore GO trains carried 2.5 million riders that first year and was considered to be a success. GO Bus service, which started out in 1970 as an extension of the original Lakeshore train line, has since become a full-fledged network. It feeds the rail service and serves communities that trains do not reach.

On September 8, 1970 GO Bus service began with GO-owned vehicles operated by private corporations providing service to areas without train service yet. the first bus model was the T8H-5305A Built By General Motors Diesel Division, the buses were also were equipped with air conditioning and were set up in a suburban configuration.

## Expansion Of GO

in 1973 GO Transit's GP40-2W These Were GP40's With a Canadian Cab/Wide Nose. and Auxiliary Power-Control Unit (APCU) entered service the APCU's were cab cars without their engine, main generator and traction motors, and could not be used for propulsion.

On April 29, 1974 Georgetown train service began, this is known as the Georgetown Line, Canadian National maintained their Guelph to Toronto commuter service until November 14th, 1975

November, 1976 Saw GO Transit Taking over TTC North Yonge Bus service.

On December 5, 1977 GO unveils there first BiLevel coach. Known as the Hawker Siddeley Series I Bilevel coaches, After tests with leased "Gallery-style" equipment from C&NW and later CPR, it was decided that an entirely new car design would be the best way to attack the problem. about 80 Coaches were made.

April 29, 1978 Saw GO Transit Start Richmond Hill train service. This is Known As the Richmond Hill Line.

In 1978 GO Transit Buys 5 F40PH's Not Only they were the only F40's in Canada Till 1986 But the Only F40's to Be Built By GMDD

On October 26, 1981 GO Transit Milton train service begins. This is known as the Milton Line.

On September 7, 1982, GO takes over operation of VIA's Barrie and Stouffville commuter services. But GO runs to Bradford and Stouffville only

The First 15 EMD F59PH's Enter Service on GO Transit

Sometime in October, 1988 saw GO beginning to use "POP" fare system.

Train-Bus Service Began in January, 1989.

After Hamilton GO Closed in 1996?, Hamilton GO Centre was Opened for Hamilton Passengers in April 1996. It is located on the south side of Hunter Street. between James Street and John Street in downtown Hamilton Ontario.

The Day Before Halloween October 30, 2000, Highway 407 GO bus service began

February 14, 2008 Saw the First new MP40PH-3C's operating in revenue service They Replaced the First Order of F59PH's and Other Later, Today 557-564 Are the only Ones Left.

GO Transit and Metrolinx were merged in May 2009.

Lisgar GO Station Opens On the Milton Line, It is the first & Only station to be built/Added to the Line.

2009?: GO Train Service to Niagara Falls Start

on December 19, 2011, Georgetown train service was extended to Kitchener. Today this is Known as the Kitchener Line Some GO Trains may even go up to London Ontario

2012-2014: GO MP40PH-3C 647 Was Sent back to MPI and Rebuilt into A MP54AC, It Began Testing On GO And entered Service in 2015.

In 2015 West Harbour GO Opens, It is Beside the Site of the Old Hamilton Station.

2017-2019 GO Transit Orders 25 New MP54AC's 667 to 682.

As A Pilot Project in 2021 Some GO Trains On the Kitchener Line can go up to London GO Station, However it is ending in Fall 2023.

## GO Transit Lines & Fleet

GO Transit has 7 Rail Lines, Lakeshore West, Lakeshore East, Kitchener, Richmond Hill, Milton, Barrie and Stouffville Lines, They also have many Bus Services.

This The is Fleet On GO Transit, Retired & Present: (Note: Coaches are Not on Here Just Engines & Cab Cars)

Future:

Hawker Siddeley Bilevel Series II Cab Cars (Refurbished)

## Pictures:

### 1950-1966 (Before GO)

1. ↑ The CN Freight Trains Were Working in the Former Toronto Rail Lands.
2. ↑ GO Trains can now go as far as Barrie South & Allandale Waterfront.