Toronto: The province yesterday announced that ridership on GO Transit and UP Express has decreased by more than 90 per cent as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Ontario government has been working with transportation agencies and providers to support the Stay-At-Home Order and help stop the spread of Covid-19.
It also announced that starting January 23, GO Transit is temporarily replacing select GO train service with buses and reducing service on UP Express.
The province is also using tools like provincial network signs and transit communications systems, reminding drivers and transit passengers, such as GO Transit, Ontario Northland, intercommunity buses and ferries, to only leave home when necessary to pick up essential items, attend a medical appointment, exercise or go to work if you can’t work remotely.
“We are asking everyone to help contain this deadly virus by simply staying home as much as possible and following the public health guidelines,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “We know people have made tremendous sacrifices so far during this pandemic, but with vaccines now available, there is hope that we will soon be able to return to a normal life. But until everyone is immunized, please stay home, stay safe and save lives.”
To support the Stay-At-Home Order, customers on Ontario Northland will receive a reminder when booking travel to stay home and only travel when necessary. This is in addition to safety messages on 210 signs across the provincial highway network, 20 ONroute locations and on Wolfe Island and Glenora ferries and terminals. The province is also working with municipal transit providers to remind passengers of the Stay-At-Home order.
Quick Facts
- Metrolinx has also implemented more than 40 measures to ensure customers and staff remain healthy and safe, including distributing stay-at-home messages on their digital platforms – and reminding customers on board their trains and buses.
- On January 12, 2021, Ontario declared a second provincial emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA).
- As of January 14, 2021, at 12:01 a.m., a Stay-At-Home Order is in effect for all of Ontario. People should only go out for necessities, such as getting food, beverages or medication, going to medical appointments, supporting vulnerable community members, obtaining government services, childcare, attending school or a postsecondary institution, getting exercise or walking pets, going to a bank, attending a store for curbside pickup or going to work, if you can’t do it remotely.
- If you must leave your home, wear a face covering in indoor public spaces and whenever physical distancing is a challenge, practice two metres physical distancing with anyone outside of your household (the people you live with), and wash your hands thoroughly, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- For more information regarding GO Transit schedules and departures times please visit gotransit.com/servicechanges