Starting next weekend, some Barrie GO transit users will be hopping on a bus instead of a train.
On Thursday, Metrolinx announced it will be replacing select GO train service with buses to make better use of resources while demand is low.
Starting on Saturday, Jan. 23, train service on the Barrie lines during weekday evenings or weekends will be served by buses.
“It will just be for evening and weekend periods,” said Nitish Bissonauth, spokesperson for Metrolinx. “We’re doing this to better align with how people are currently using our transit network. We’ve been closely monitoring the situation and looking at transit volumes.”
Across Ontario, Bissonauth says that as a result of COVID-19, ridership has decreased by more than 90 per cent across the board.
“These changes are also meant to answer the provincial call to encourage people to stay at home when needed,” he said. “Public transit is still an essential service but we want to make it clear that we don’t want people travelling unless they absolutely have to only for essential trips, and when travelling, always wear a mask.”
Barrie weekday trip schedules are not being affected by this announcement.
“These are temporary adjustments for now,” said Bissonauth.
Stations will have wayfinding signage posted directing customers to the buses.
Departures times may be adjusted. Customers should check gotransit.com and upexpress.com before they travel to ensure they always have the latest schedule information.
